An out-of-control cargo ship crashed into the riverside, destroying three homes in Thailand.

The vessel, named Ramthep 4, was transporting 5,000 tonnes of gypsum when it veered toward houses along the Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi in the early hours of Wednesday.

It struck a power pole before ploughing through the homes, injuring residents and sparking a blackout in the area.

Police said they received a report at 5 am local time. Officers rushed to the scene, where one house had collapsed into the water and two others were partially damaged. Two people suffered minor injuries.

Pairat Rodjeam, 66, owner of the demolished house, said: 'We were sleeping when we heard a loud crash. When I got up to check, I realised a boat had hit us. Water had flooded the house up to my chest and everything was destroyed.'

He added that the newly renovated home cost around seven to eight million baht (164,330 to 187,806 GBP), which the ship company vowed to repay.

Boat captain Sakhon Makhawan, 30, claimed the crash occurred due to strong currents and a 'steering wheel malfunction', which prevented the vessel from turning.

He denied being drunk or taking drugs before the incident.

Police Lieutenant Danai Lamliangphon of the Pak Kret Police Station said: 'The Marine Department will launch an investigation to determine the cause before deciding on charges and whether to revoke the operator's license.

'He and the residents were summoned at Pak Kret Police Station for questioning. Sakhon faces a possible charge of reckless driving causing property damage.'