A tragic accident involving a van carrying officials from the Department of Water Resources resulted in the deaths of four people after the vehicle crashed into a tree. The van was returning to Bangkok when the incident occurred.

 

Yesterday, October 27, police from Kosamphi Nakhon Police Station in Kamphaeng Phet province responded to an accident involving a white Toyota van that veered off the road and collided with a tree. The accident happened on Phahonyothin Road in Ban Khlong Mueang, Kosamphi Nakorn district. Seven individuals, including the driver, were on board the van.

 

The passengers were returning from a Royal Kathin ceremony at Wat Phra Chedi Sao Lang in Ton Thong Chai, Mueang district, Lampang province, heading back to Bangkok. Among the passengers were six officials from the Department of Water Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

 

Rescue teams from Sawang Kamphaeng Phet Foundation spent over an hour extricating the injured and deceased from the wreckage using two hydraulic cutters. The front of the van was severely damaged due to the impact with the tree.

 

The accident resulted in four fatalities and three injuries. The deceased were identified as 39 year old Punyavee, who died at the hospital; 36 year old Benjaporn, who also died at the hospital; 33 year old Patcharaporn, who died at the scene; and 43 year old Surasit, the driver, who died at the hospital.

 

The injured were identified as 53 year old Kritsapat; 47 year old Chaloemchon; and 31 year old Dolaya. The injured were urgently transported to Kosamphi Nakhon Hospital and then transferred to Kamphaeng Phet Hospital.

 

Police investigations at the scene revealed that the van had marks indicating a sudden swerve off the road before crashing into the tree. The road is a straight four-lane highway with no potholes or CCTV cameras. It is believed that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, exacerbated by the road’s lack of rest stops or petrol stations, potentially leading to driver fatigue.

 

This section of the road has a history of accidents. In 2018, another van involved in a Kathin ceremony heading north crashed into a tree, resulting in seven deaths and three injuries. The cause was similarly attributed to the driver falling asleep, reported KhaoSod.

 

By Ryan Turner

Image courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2024-10-28

 

 

They must have bought fake amulets from the temple they were visiting. 

That's just sad all around.

 

I wonder if there are any cautionary tales about wearing seatbelts? 

 

I'm somewhat of a seatbelt Nazi after being spared a tragic death in a VW Bug rollover with the sunroof open.  But I had to cajole my Thai co-workers to buckle up when we were in vans on company trips.

 

11 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

It is believed that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, exacerbated by the road’s lack of rest stops or petrol stations, potentially leading to driver fatigue.

The driver can stop anytime they want if feeling fatigued.

16 hours ago, impulse said:

I wonder if there are any cautionary tales about wearing seatbelts? 

 

I'm somewhat of a seatbelt Nazi after being spared a tragic death in a VW Bug rollover with the sunroof open.  But I had to cajole my Thai co-workers to buckle up when we were in vans on company trips.

I expect that the minivan will have had seatbelts fitted, but due to non-maintenance none of them could actually operate.  Yet again, avoidable deaths due to gross negligence by the minivan operator/owner and at all levels of government who don't inspect the vehicles or enforce the laws and safety checks.

8 hours ago, Watawattana said:

I expect that the minivan will have had seatbelts fitted, but due to non-maintenance none of them could actually operate.  Yet again, avoidable deaths due to gross negligence by the minivan operator/owner and at all levels of government who don't inspect the vehicles or enforce the laws and safety checks.

 

More likely seatbelt reticence among Thais. I have a devilofajob getting friends to belt up ... Or maybe the survivors were belted up.

 

Speculation anyway, just wanted to make the point that Thais tend to think seatbelts are decorative and frequently won't even use those that are serviceable.

On 10/28/2024 at 4:45 PM, snoop1130 said:

The accident resulted in four fatalities and three injuries. The deceased were identified as 39 year old Punyavee, who died at the hospital; 36 year old Benjaporn, who also died at the hospital; 33 year old Patcharaporn, who died at the scene; and 43 year old Surasit, the driver, who died at the hospital.

 

And according to Thai style accounting, only ONE will be recorded as a road death.

Too stupid to put on seatbelts? 

5 minutes ago, JeffersLos said:

Too stupid to put on seatbelts? 

 

 

They won’t put them on…….drives me ******* mad. 

 

‘Stupidity' can be the only reasonable response.

On 10/28/2024 at 9:45 AM, snoop1130 said:

The front of the van was severely damaged due to the impact with the tree.

 

Perhaps they should manufacturing cars from wood?