Tree falls on school van in Krabi, injures 14
A school van carrying students home in Krabi was struck by a falling tree during a severe storm, injuring 14 people, with the driver sustaining the worst injuries. Fortunately, none of the students lost their lives.
Rescue officials from the Pracharuamjai Foundation in Khao Phanom district, Krabi province, received a report at 4.30pm yesterday, September 4, of an accident involving a large tree falling on a school van due to strong winds. The incident occurred on Khao Phanom-Thung Yai Road in Moo 8, Khao Phanom subdistrict. Upon receiving the report, the rescue team promptly headed to the scene.
Upon arrival, the rescue team found a grey Toyota van with registration number ฮธ 1511 Bangkok in the middle of the road, with a large tree fallen over its roof, causing significant damage. Inside the van, 14 injured individuals were discovered. The driver, identified as 42 year old Amornsak, suffered severe waist injuries and was urgently transported to Khao Phanom Hospital.
Among the injured, there were five male students, seven female students aged between six and 18, and a 38 year old woman. They sustained minor injuries from the impact, with some having cuts on their arms and legs from broken glass.
All 13 passengers were quickly taken to Khao Phanom Hospital for first aid treatment and were later discharged to go home. The driver, however, required hospitalisation for further treatment.
Preliminary inquiries with the driver and eyewitnesses revealed that the van was returning from Khao Phanom district after picking up students after school. The van was en route to deliver the students to their homes in the Pru Tiaw subdistrict.
As the van approached the accident site, a heavy rainstorm and strong winds caused a large tree by the roadside to uproot and fall onto the van, leading to the injuries reported.
“It was a terrifying moment. The storm came out of nowhere, and before we knew it, the tree was on top of us.”
Rescue officials quickly assessed the situation and provided immediate assistance, ensuring that all injured parties received prompt medical attention. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of students commuting in adverse weather conditions and the risks posed by roadside trees during storms.
In the aftermath, local officials are expected to conduct safety checks on roadside trees and implement measures to prevent similar incidents. The community has also been advised to be cautious and stay alert during severe weather conditions to avoid potential hazards, reported KhaoSod.
