Brake down: Thai bus driver crashes coach in loei, leaves one dead, nine injured in crash (video)

A Thai bus driver crashed his coach, with a faulty brake system, into a procession, resulting in one death and injuries to nine others In the Isaan province of Loei.

Officers from the Nong Hin Police Station were notified of the accident in the Baan Cham Thong community in the Nong Hin district of Loei province at about 3.30pm yesterday, November 19. Upon arrival, the officers discovered the dead body of a 52 year old Thai woman, Boonthong. She was run over by the Thai bus driver and succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

Nine other locals were injured in the accident, and some of them were trapped under the coach bus. Officers contacted several rescue teams to rush the injured victim to the Nong Hin Hospital. Their conditions had not yet been updated in the report.

The bus was reportedly specially used for the procession. Most of the windows and passenger seats were removed to allow a singer and musicians to perform inside the bus. The Thai bus driver moved slowly along with the procession to entertain the participants.

The bus involved in the accident was part of a procession for the merit-making ceremony of the locals in Baan Cham Thong community and nearby. More than 100 locals joined the procession and walked towards Sirithep Samakkee Temple.

The bus driver, 31 year old Sarunyu, presented himself at the scene. Sarunyu said this was his first time driving the bus for the procession. He drove slowly along with the participants and braked several times, causing the brake system to fail.

When the bus reached the slope, Sarunyu attempted to use the brake but he was unable to do so. So, the bus moved into the crowd of people who were singing and dancing in front of it quickly.

Sarunyu was accompanied to the police station for further questioning. The charges had not yet been issued against him. According to his action, Sarunyu would face imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to 20,000 baht for violating Section 291 of the Criminal Law: acting recklessly which causes death.