Van Runs Red Light, Crashes into Motorcycle, Killing Rider on the Spot

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture captured from dash-cam.

 

A crash occurred when a van carrying passengers back from a merit-making and meditation trip ran a red light and crashed into a motorcycle, killing the rider instantly.

 

The collision took place at around 23:00 on the night of 15 December at a four-way intersection near the Public Health Office in Suwannaphum District, Roi Et Province. Police Lieutenant Chai Thong Wintachai, Deputy Inspector of Suwannaphum Police Station, was alerted to the incident and coordinated with the on-call doctor from Suwannaphum Hospital and local rescue volunteers to respond to the scene.

 

At the site, a heavily damaged orange Honda motorcycle was found. Nearby lay the body of the rider, identified as Mr. Thawatchai, 29 years old. His face sustained severe injuries.

 

Approximately 40 metres away, a white Toyota Commuter van with license plates from Amnat Charoen Province was parked on the roadside. The van had noticeable damage, including a shattered side passenger window. The driver, Mr. Onchan, 50 years old, admitted to operating the van at the time of the collision.

 

Initial investigations and footage from a dashboard camera of a bystander revealed that Mr. Onchan was driving the van carrying 12 passengers back from a meditation retreat in Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. When approaching the intersection, the van moved into the far-left lane, typically reserved for left turns, and turned on its hazard lights while proceeding straight through the red light.

 

Simultaneously, Mr. Thawatchai was riding his motorcycle through a green light from the left-hand side of the intersection. This led to a violent collision with the left side of the van, resulting in Mr. Thawatchai’s immediate death.

 

Police have taken Mr. Onchan into custody and charged him with reckless driving causing death. Investigations are ongoing.

 

-- 2024-12-17