Van tyre blowout injures 14 Lao workers on Thai highway
A terrifying accident unfolded when a van carrying Lao workers experienced a tyre blowout, nearly resulting in a tragic outcome. The incident, which occurred early today, December 12, left numerous individuals injured.
The driver revealed the left rear tyre had issues just before they were en-route to the Nong Khai immigration checkpoint.
Around 12.15am today, Preecha Suebrat, an inspector at Wang Nam Khiao Police Station in Nakhon Ratchasima province, responded to a report of a vehicle overturning.
The accident took place at the entrance of Ban Salao Chao Pho, Village No. 1, Wang Nam Khiao subdistrict, on the inbound western side at kilometre marker 223+162 on Highway 304, Ratchasima-Kabin Buri Road.
A white Toyota van with Rayong plates was discovered at the scene. It had collided with a streetlight pole before losing control and flipping over, landing upside down in the central road ditch.
There were 14 injuries reported by the emergency services, including 11 men and three women, primarily aged between 18 and 25 years old.
Most of the passengers sustained scrapes and bruises. Volunteers from Hook.31 Nakhon Ratchasima rescue unit provided initial first aid before transporting the injured to Wang Nam Khiao Hospital. Three individuals had bone-related injuries and were kept under observation by medical staff.
The investigation revealed that 42 year old Wisoot, a resident of Rayong and the driver of the van, suffered minor injuries. He stated that all 14 passengers were Lao workers employed at a factory in Rayong.
KhaoSod reported that they had hired a van to take them to the Nong Khai immigration checkpoint. The workers, who held tourist visa passports, were aiming to legalise their employment status in Thailand through the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) labour import process, said Wisoot.
“The left rear tyre developed issues while we were returning eastward, causing the vehicle to lose control and leading to the accident.”
