Bus crash claims 2, injures 30

MAI KHAO (NBT): A fully-loaded bus headed for Satun overturned and crashed at about 9 pm Sunday night, killing two people and injuring at least 30 more.

The state-run Andaman News service reported that the accident occurred on the outbound lane of Thepkasattri Rd, in the Ban Maak Prok area of Mai Khao Village 1.

Tah Chat Chai Police Superintendent Sakchai Limcharoen said eyewitnesses told police that the bus was heading north when a salaeng (motorcycle with illegal sidecar attached) approached driving against the traffic.

The bus driver was forced to swerve suddenly to avoid a collision with the rogue vehicle, but lost control. The air-conditioned coach, carrying 40 passengers, smashed into an electric pole on the median strip.

Two Thai women died and 30 people were rushed by Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers for emergency medical treatment, most at Thalang Hospital.

Bus driver Watchara Wangklaew was questioned by police as to the cause of the accident.

The names of the dead were not released in the Andaman News report, nor was it reported if there were any foreigners aboard the coach.

One local Thai-language newspaper identified one of the deceased as 23-year-old Saowitree Klongyuan of Krabi’s Neuaklong District.

Phuket Governor Preecha Ruangjan visited the accident site.

It was also not reported if police have located or questioned the driver or the salaeng that eyewitnesses said caused the tragedy.

Using modified motorbikes and driving on the wrong side of the road are both against Thai traffic law, but the laws are rarely enforced outside of Bangkok. Residents can see many violations day after day in the provinces.