Drunk driver plows into crowd killing eight in Si Sa Ket

An unfortunate accident occurred last night in which a Toyota pickup truck, driven by a drunk driver, crashed into a group of people who had gathered to watch a film outside Wat Samrong Phlun temple in Si Sa Ket’s Phrai Bueng district. The incident claimed eight lives and left six others injured, some seriously.

The pickup truck, registered in Udon Thani, was driven by 37 year old Kiatsak, from Nong Khai’s Pho Tak district. He had been drinking at a Kathin religious ceremony before the accident. The collision caused extensive damage, with the truck flipping over in the middle of the road, damaging nine motorcycles parked nearby, and breaching the temple’s wall.

On arrival at the scene, the police found a chaotic scene with multiple casualties. Emergency services quickly transferred the injured to Phrai Bueng Hospital. Among the deceased were Phatphon Wongnim, 14 year old Suteera Pleumjai, Phadermphong Chankhana, Yuen Jantarawichit, Thongchai Chantiman, and three girls who were not identified.

The injured, including 48 year old Jakgrit Thongin, 15 year old Natchanikan Saeng-ngoen, and 16 year old Ketsara Prachan, 14 year old Narong Dongchop, 14 year old Rungtawan Sridapan, and 16 year old Kittitat Chaichana, were transferred to Si Sa Ket Hospital for further treatment, reported KhaoSod.

Kiatsak admitted to police that he had been heavily intoxicated and had momentarily fallen asleep at the wheel, resulting in the collision with the motorcycles and the crowd watching the film. He is facing charges of reckless driving causing injury and death, and drunk driving.

The following day, the hospital was filled with mourning relatives who came to claim the bodies of their loved ones. The scene was filled with grief as the eight bodies were laid out, waiting to be taken home for religious ceremonies.

“Upon hearing a loud noise, I thought it was a brake failure or teenagers fighting,” said 21 year old Raphithat, who was at the scene. “But when I came out to see, it was a pickup truck that had hit several motorcycles and was lying on its side on the road. There were many casualties, which was shocking.”