Update: Thap Sakae bus accident death toll rises to 15 as woman succumbs to injuries

The bus accident in Thap Sakae, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, claimed one more life, raising the death toll to 15.

The latest victim was a 29 year old woman, Mantira Deema, who passed away after battling for her life since the accident occurred on December 5.

The incident involved a Sri Siam Tour bus (Bangkok-Na Thawi) that veered off the road and collided with a large tree along the Phetchkasem Road, near the Hat Wanakon National Park in Thap Sakae. The bus, a white and blue Volvo with the registration number 14-3301 Bangkok, was carrying 49 passengers, including the driver. A total of 14 passengers lost their lives at the scene, while the remaining 35 suffered injuries and were rushed to Thap Sakae Hospital and Prachuap Khiri Khan Hospital.

The bus crash occurred around 12.20am on December 5. Reporters were notified of Mantira’s passing, a native of Nakhon Sawan province, recently. Initially, her name was listed among the 14 deceased, but after her mother arrived to claim the body, she found it was not her daughter’s. A second fingerprint verification revealed a mix-up with the corpse of Thidamon, a foreign labourer.

Meanwhile, Mantira, severely paralysed, has been treated at Prachuap Khiri Khan Hospital since the day of the bus crash. Her mother and family were hopeful and waited by her side. Despite the best efforts of the medical team and Mantira’s fight, she succumbed to her severe brain injuries and the need for respiratory support. Her passing in the early hours has now increased the fatality count of the crash in Thap Sakae to 15, reported KhaoSod.

The investigation into the cause of the bus accident revealed that the bus was travelling at a speed of 90 kilometres per hour. Most of the fatalities were seated on the left side of the bus.

ORIGINAL STORY: Survivor of fatal bus accident recounts harrowing experience

Mattikan, a recent graduate also known as King, narrowly escaped a fatal bus accident that claimed 14 lives in Huay Yang, Thap Sakae, Prachuap Khiri Khan. She was travelling home from Bangkok to Thung Song, Nakhon Si Thammarat, intending to give her graduation gown to her father as a National Father’s Day gift. At the time of the bus accident, she was seated on the lower level, behind the driver, in a state of sleep.

Awoken by cries for help, she found herself pinned inside the damaged vehicle with the emergency exit inaccessible. Her rescue came swiftly from emergency services who broke the glass to free her. She sustained severe injuries including a large laceration on her forehead requiring 16 stitches, along with multiple bruises and abrasions on her body.

Admitting to having felt intense fear during the incident, she was particularly concerned for her sister who suffered a broken leg and was unable to move. Her sister is currently undergoing treatment at Prachuap Khiri Khan Hospital for a dislocated hip and a broken leg.

Officials have been in contact regarding assistance, and she calls for related agencies to support the victims fully, reported Sanook.

King, still in a state of shock, admits to feeling lucky as her injuries were less severe than others. She expresses a newfound fear of tour buses, usually preferring trains or planes.

The decision to take the ill-fated bus was a last-minute one due to concerns about not being able to reach home in time.

King also showed reporters two amulets she wears, credited with potentially saving her life: one of Luang Phor Klay Vajasit, a famous southern monk, and another known as Ai Khai Wat Chedi from Chalong, Sichon, Nakhon Si Thammarat. She believes that these amulets, along with their inherent Buddhist virtues, have protected her from harm.