Van Used for Carrying Psychiatric Patient Collides with Trailer, Leaving 3 Dead & 1 Injured

[Georgealbert]

 

 

In the early hours of November 24, a crash occurred on Phetkasem Road near kilometre marker 330+500 in Huai Yang Subdistrict, Thap Sakae District, Prachuap Khiri Khan. A red-plate Toyota van used for transporting a psychiatric patient collided with the rear of a trailer truck, resulting in three fatalities and one injury.

 

The accident happened at approximately 02:15 just 2 kilometres before Wanakorn Beach National Park. The van, used by the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) to transport a psychiatric patient for treatment in Nakhon Pathom, was returning to Chumphon when the crash occurred.

 

The van was driven by Mr. Manat Chuyao, 52, a municipal councilor in Chum Kho Subdistrict, Chumphon Province. He was also the owner of the van. 

 

Mr. Manat was among those killed in the accident, alongside:

 

1. Police Sergeant Kittiphan Khwansomkit, 39, a Border Patrol Police officer working with the NSB (seated in the front passenger seat).

 

2. Mr. Kriangkrai Rungruang, 52, a driver for the Chumphon Provincial Public Health Office.

 

The sole survivor, Police Senior Sergeant Major Surasak Khantasinth, 47, also an NSB officer, sustained injuries and was transported to Thap Sakae Hospital for treatment.

 

The van collided with a Hino trailer truck driven by Mr. Phan Pantharun, 52, from Ayutthaya. He was uninjured and is cooperating with authorities during the investigation.

 

Preliminary investigations suggest that the van’s driver fell asleep at the wheel due to fatigue from the long journey. The van crashed into the trailer in the left lane with great force. Rescuers had to use hydraulic tools to extricate the victims from the severely damaged van.

 

Police Senior Sergeant Major Surasak, the only conscious survivor, managed to call for help by dialing 191. Emergency responders, including officers from Huai Yang Police Station, rescue teams from Thap Sakae Hospital, and local volunteers, quickly arrived at the scene.

 

Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. Autopsies of the deceased will be conducted, and the trailer truck driver will be questioned further. Legal actions will follow as necessary.

 

Picture from responders.

-- 2024-11-25