Chon Buri hospital simulates mass crash ahead of Songkran chaos
With the deadly Songkran road rush just around the corner, one hospital in Chon Buri isn’t taking any chances—staging a mass casualty drill to brace for the holiday’s inevitable accident surge.
Samitivej Sriracha Hospital recently ran a full-scale emergency exercise simulating a horrific collision between a passenger truck and a motorcycle that left 15 people “injured.” The high-intensity drill, though staged, looked terrifyingly real—and that was exactly the point.
Hospital staff, doctors, nurses, and local rescue teams from volunteer foundations all took part in the operation, which aimed to test and tighten emergency response procedures ahead of Thailand’s most dangerous travel season.
“We want to ensure that, if a real mass casualty event occurs, we’re ready to respond quickly, efficiently and professionally,” a hospital spokesperson said. “Preparation is key to saving lives.”
The drill covered everything from the initial emergency call to the Chon Buri Emergency Medical Centre, to triaging and transporting patients, and providing immediate care at the hospital. The realistic chaos served as a stress test for coordination between frontline responders and medical teams.
Songkran, running from April 11 to 17, is known not only for water fights but also for the deadly spike in road accidents, many involving alcohol, speeding, and motorbikes. Emergency units across the country are on high alert every year, bracing for the so-called Seven Dangerous Days.
“The aim is to minimise the physical, psychological and logistical toll of large-scale incidents,” the hospital said. “It’s not just about response—it’s about prevention through planning.”
As part of the drill, the hospital also refined its operational procedures, incorporating live feedback to improve future readiness. The exercise reinforced Samitivej Sriracha’s commitment to community safety and readiness, offering both reassurance and a stark reminder of what could go wrong, reported Pattaya Mail.
“We’re proud of the collaborative effort with rescue teams and emergency services. These drills could be the difference between life and death,” said the spokesperson.
With thousands expected to hit the roads for Songkran, the hospital’s message is clear: behind the smiles and celebration, there’s serious preparation happening to keep people alive.
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