Two Killed, One Injured as Teacher Falls Asleep at the Wheel

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

A car crash claimed the lives of two street food vendors and left another injured early morning on December 28, in Nong Bua Lamphu Province. The incident occurred around 06:00 on the Nong Bua Lamphu-Ban Sang Sian Road in Hua Na Subdistrict, Mueang Nong Bua Lamphu District.

 

Police Lieutenant Peerawit Chantachon from Nong Bua Lamphu Police Station and emergency rescue teams arrived at the scene to find food carts, tables, and traces of blood scattered along the roadside. Witnesses reported that the area is a popular morning market spot where vendors gather daily to sell food to locals, often for offerings to monks.

 

According to eyewitnesses, a red Toyota car, without a licence plate, veered off the road and ploughed into vendors and customers standing by the roadside. The collision resulted in three severe injuries. Rescue teams rushed the injured to Nong Bua Lamphu Hospital, where two of the victims, identified as Ms. Sangwan and Ms. Wongduan, later succumbed to their injuries.

 

The driver of the car, Ms. Dokfon, a local nursery teacher, admitted to authorities that she fell asleep at the wheel. She explained that she had been returning home with her husband and daughter after dropping off a friend in a nearby subdistrict. Ms. Dokfon revealed she had been awake all night after attending a traditional mor lam music performance and lost control of the vehicle upon dozing off.

 

Mayor Pitak Supa of Hua Na Subdistrict Municipality, who lives near the crash site, expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and lamented the frequency of fatal accidents in the area. “This year, we have seen multiple fatalities in our community, and today is another tragic reminder of the need for road safety,” he said.

 

The head of the provincial disaster prevention office, Mr. Prasert Nimmansamai, and Deputy Governor Mr. Sasin Pattanapirom, have called for increased vigilance during the New Year holiday period. They urged motorists to exercise caution and reminded motorcyclists to wear helmets and use proper lighting.

 

Police confirmed that the driver’s breathalyser test showed no traces of alcohol. Authorities are conducting further investigations into the incident and considering the potential charges against the driver.

 

-- 2024-12-29