Driver in childcare centre crash tests positive for drugs, not medical issue
A driver involved in the Kanchanaburi childcare centre crash tested positive for drugs after initially telling police that a sudden medical problem caused his car to lose control and hit the centre.
The crash occurred in the Kaeng Sian subdistrict on Friday, August 7, while children were sleeping inside the childcare centre. CCTV footage showed the sedan travelling at high speed before breaking through the fence and striking the building.
Fourteen children were injured by concrete debris from the damaged wall. A two year old child reportedly suffered a head injury. The driver and a male passenger travelling with him were also injured and taken to hospital for treatment.
The driver initially told investigators that he had fainted while driving because of a pre-existing medical condition. However, a drug test conducted at the hospital later returned positive.
According to Channel 7, the passenger also tested positive for drugs. He reportedly told investigators that he and the driver had used cannabis and heroin at the driver’s home before travelling.
The driver’s home was reportedly located near the childcare centre. He remains in hospital and is expected to be discharged soon, after which police are expected to take him to a police station for further legal proceedings.
The condition of the injured children has continued to improve. According to media reports, 11 children had already been discharged from hospital, while three remained under medical care.
The mother of one injured child told the media that her daughter suffered a head injury. She said she was distressed by seeing her child hurt.
The mother also urged the local administrative organisation responsible for the childcare centre to consider replacing the existing iron fence with a stronger concrete wall. She said improved protection could help prevent a similar incident from causing injuries to children in the future.
