CHIANG MAI — 5 June 2026, A cow running onto a highway caused a multi-vehicle crash in Chiang Mai’s Saraphi district on Friday night, leaving six people injured and severely damaging a passenger van, authorities said.
The accident occurred at about 21:30 on the Chiang Mai–Lampang road inbound to the city, beneath the Sin Seng flyover in Saraphi district.
According to officials, a cow suddenly ran onto the highway and cut across the path of fast-moving traffic. Several vehicles travelling behind were forced to brake abruptly, triggering a chain-reaction collision involving multiple vehicles. Some vehicles struck the animal before crashing into vehicles ahead.
A passenger van carrying a full load of passengers was among the vehicles involved. The van lost control and slammed into a roadside electricity pole, leaving it extensively damaged.
Emergency medical teams and Chiang Mai rescue units rushed to the scene and provided first aid before transporting all six injured people to hospital.
The cow, identified as the cause of the accident, suffered a broken leg. Officials and animal welfare personnel provided treatment to the animal and are working to locate its owner.
Authorities said the owner will be questioned and could be held responsible for damages and any legal liabilities arising from the incident.
