Electric vehicle enters temple and hits worshippers, 3 injured in Bangkok

An electric car caused panic at a Buddhist temple in Bangkok after losing control and crashing into worshippers who were on the premises.

Videos of the incident show the vehicle moving at speed toward people near a shrine at Guanyin Shrine, which is located within the Thian Fah Foundation complex.

The accident occurred at around 1 p.m. on Thursday. The vehicle suddenly passed through the main entrance and entered the area where dozens of people had gathered, reported The Sun.

Three people were hit by the car, while the rest of those present tried to flee quickly to avoid the collision.

Immediately after the incident, people at the temple approached the vehicle to help the injured. Rescue teams used hydraulic equipment to remove the three people trapped beneath the car.

The injured were taken to hospital. A 60-year-old woman had suffered serious injuries, while the other two people sustained lighter injuries.

According to a security worker, around 30 people were at the temple when the accident occurred.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the causes. Local media reported that the 78-year-old driver may have felt unwell after experiencing sudden dizziness. The main suspicion is that he may have accidentally pressed the accelerator, driving the car toward the worshippers.

Although the collision was forceful, the statue of Guanyin, known as a symbol of mercy and compassion, was not damaged.

The incident has revived discussions about safety on Thailand’s roads, which for years have recorded a high number of accidents and fatalities.