Tour bus flips in northeast Thailand, 36 injured in midnight crash
Passengers trapped inside wreckage as officials probe claims of driver fatigue and safety lapses
Dozens of terrified passengers were left bloodied and bruised after a packed tour bus flipped onto its side in the dead of night in northeast Thailand — with many suspecting the driver had dozed off behind the wheel.
The crash occurred around 3am yesterday, May 9, as the Chan Tour bus, en route from Rayong to Nakhon Phanom, veered off Mittraphap Road near a traffic intersection in Ban Phai district, Khon Kaen province.
The vehicle, bearing the licence plate 10-7853 Khon Kaen, careered into a road median and overturned, trapping several passengers inside the mangled wreck. Emergency services rushed to the scene and used hydraulic cutters to free the injured.
A total of 36 passengers were hurt in the crash, two of them seriously. One victim suffered a broken arm and underwent surgery later that day, while another was treated for chest tightness, according to emergency personnel.
Ban Phai mayor Pichai Wanta said many passengers recounted how the bus had slowly drifted out of its lane before slamming into the median — without any signs of braking.
“Passengers believe the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel,” police at Ban Phai station confirmed.
Police are reviewing CCTV footage and will summon the driver for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation. The tour company, Chan Tour, is also expected to be contacted to provide support for the victims, Bangkok Post reported.
Officials said the bus operator will be required to assist with medical treatment and compensation for the injured.
Tour bus accidents are not uncommon in Thailand, especially during long-distance overnight journeys. Fatigue, speeding, and mechanical issues are often cited as causes.
The crash once again raises concerns over road safety and the enforcement of regulations in the country’s interprovincial transport system.
Police are urging transport companies to strengthen safety protocols and ensure drivers are well-rested before long-haul trips.
More updates will follow as the investigation unfolds.
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