Busload of Russians injured as ‘brakes fail’

PHUKET: Three Russian tourists were seriously injured, and 39 others less so, when the bus they were taking to Phuket ended up in a ditch in Phang Nga yesterday.

Lt Thavorn Thongkam of Takuathung Police received reports of the incident from Kok Kloi District, Phang Nga at 2pm.

The driver of the bus belonging to MKR Transport, Nithakorn Jamrasklang, 26, says he swerved off the road when he realized that the brakes weren’t working, Lt Thavorn told the Phuket Gazette today.

“Mr Nithakorn told us that Pearl Sea Travel Tours organized the trip, and that he picked up the 42 tourists – all of them Russian – from a hotel in Khao Lak,” said Lt Thavorn. “As they approached a red traffic light, he realized that the brakes weren’t working so he steered the bus to the side of the road to avoid hitting other cars in front of it.”

One passenger suffered a broken leg. Two others also sustained serious injuries. They were first taken to Takuathung Hospital and later transferred to Bangkok Hospital Phuket. All other passengers received first aid treatment onsite and were picked up by another bus from the same company.

The driver has been charged with reckless driving causing injury and damage to public property.

— Winai Sarot