Motorcyclist attacks public bus with rocks, bottles in Nonthaburi
An unidentified man driving a white motorcycle chased and attacked a public bus with rocks and bottles in Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province.
The event occurred yesterday, December 11, when 37 year old Kwanchai was driving the public bus on route 32 between Wat Pho and Wat Bo in Pak Kret. Alongside him was 36 year old Nattiporn who managed the fare collection. Both later reported the unsettling event to the Nonthaburi City Police Station.
Kwanchai recounted the unexpected encounter while driving along Pracharat Road Line 1. As he approached the Bang Pho metro station, a young man on a motorcycle, dressed similarly to a courier, suddenly cut in front of the bus. Kwanchai maintained that he was driving normally and responsibly, particularly because the bus was fully loaded with passengers at the time.
Nattiporn shared her perspective on the incident, explaining that they had made a routine stop in front of Yothinburana School to let passengers off. It was at this point that the first alarming event took place.
A loud noise, resembling an object hitting the bus window, was heard. The motorcycle rider was spotted standing on the traffic island and threw a bottle at the bus. The passengers, visibly shaken, urged Kwanchai to drive on quickly, suspecting the attack might be linked to local youth conflicts.
As the journey continued, the situation escalated. When the bus reached Phibulsongkram Road, the same motorcycle rider reappeared, this time wielding a rock.
He dismounted his motorcycle and waited on the traffic island, targeting the driver’s side of the bus with a rock, resulting in a second assault. This time, the rock shattered the windshield but fortunately did not penetrate the vehicle. Concerned for the safety of the passengers, Nattiporn advised them to take cover on the bus floor.
“I feared for the passengers’ safety, so I instructed them to lie down.”
With the safety of the passengers in mind, Kwanchai decided to let them disembark midway before returning the bus to the depot. The urgency to report the incident to the police was paramount, as the possibility of further attacks was a significant concern.
The unsettling events have raised questions about the motive behind the attacks, as neither Kwanchai nor Nattiporn could recall any prior incident that might have provoked such aggression. The randomness of the attack has left both the bus crew and passengers puzzled and wary.
This incident sparked a discussion about passenger safety and the unpredictable nature of such violent acts. Public transportation staff often face challenges, but such direct and inexplicable hostility is particularly alarming. The bus company is now reviewing safety protocols to better protect passengers and staff in the future.
Police are investigating the incident, seeking to identify the perpetrator and determine the motive behind these aggressive actions. The focus remains on ensuring the safety and security of all those who rely on public transport in the area, reported KhaoSod.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why might an individual target a public bus with such aggression?
The motives remain unclear, possibly linked to personal grievances, local youth conflicts, or mental health issues.
How can public transportation systems enhance safety to prevent similar incidents?
Implementing surveillance, increasing security personnel, and using communication systems for rapid response can enhance safety.
What if the bus crew had not acted quickly during the attack?
A delayed response could have increased risk to passengers, potentially resulting in injuries or further attacks.
How do such incidents impact the perception of public transportation safety?
They can create fear and distrust, leading to decreased ridership and pressure on authorities to improve safety measures.
What might motivate someone to attack a moving bus so brazenly in public?
Potential motivations include seeking attention, venting frustration, or participating in gang-related activities.
