17 Dead in Bus Crash on Hillside Road in Prachinburi

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Bus Crash: GPS Data Reveals Timeline of Tragedy

 

Picture from responders.

 

The crash involving a bus carrying a group from Phon Charoen Municipality in Bueng Kan occurred on Highway 304 in Nadi district, Prachinburi,, when the bus driver lost control and overturned off the road, at approximately 03:09 on 26 February.

 

GPS Data Reveals Speed and Route

 

According to Ms. Piyawan Thapaengphan, the Bueng Kan transport officer, and Mr. Issara Sothong, a vehicle inspection officer, the bus, registered as a non-fixed-route passenger vehicle with registration number 30-0040 Bueng Kan, had been monitored via a GPS tracking system installed by Thai GPS Service Co., Ltd.

 

Timeline of the journey:

 

• 25 February, 17:01 – The bus departed from Phon Charoen, Bueng Kan.

 

• 25 February, 17:40 – Entered Sakon Nakhon province.

 

• 25 February, 18:57 – Entered Udon Thani province.

 

• 25 February, 20:58 – Entered Khon Kaen province.

 

• 25 February, 23:55 – Entered Nakhon Ratchasima province.

 

• 26 February, 03:01 – Entered Prachinburi province.

 

• 26 February, 03:09 – The bus crashed in Bu Phram subdistrict, Nadi district, Prachinburi.

 

Speed Before the Crash

 

GPS data shows the bus was travelling at varying speeds leading up to the crash:

 

• 03:06 – 21 km/h

 

• 03:07  – 23 km/h

 

• 03:08  – 44 km/h

 

• 03:09 – Peaked at 85 km/h (the moment of the crash)

 

Officials have noted concerns regarding the driver’s working hours. GPS records indicate the driver exceeded the legal limit of continuous driving, with a stretch from 21:02 on 25 February to 3:09 on 26 February, amounting to 6 hours and 7 minutes of non-stop driving across Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Prachinburi provinces.

 

The Department of Land Transport and police are conducting detailed investigations into the cause of the crash. Authorities are urging transport companies to enforce stricter rest periods for drivers to prevent future tragedies.

 

-- 2025-02-27

 

[MikeandDow]

36 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

UPDATE
Bus Crash: GPS Data Reveals Timeline of Tragedy

 

Picture from responders.

 

The crash involving a bus carrying a group from Phon Charoen Municipality in Bueng Kan occurred on Highway 304 in Nadi district, Prachinburi,, when the bus driver lost control and overturned off the road, at approximately 03:09 on 26 February.

 

GPS Data Reveals Speed and Route

 

According to Ms. Piyawan Thapaengphan, the Bueng Kan transport officer, and Mr. Issara Sothong, a vehicle inspection officer, the bus, registered as a non-fixed-route passenger vehicle with registration number 30-0040 Bueng Kan, had been monitored via a GPS tracking system installed by Thai GPS Service Co., Ltd.

 

Timeline of the journey:

 

• 25 February, 17:01 – The bus departed from Phon Charoen, Bueng Kan.

 

• 25 February, 17:40 – Entered Sakon Nakhon province.

 

• 25 February, 18:57 – Entered Udon Thani province.

 

• 25 February, 20:58 – Entered Khon Kaen province.

 

• 25 February, 23:55 – Entered Nakhon Ratchasima province.

 

• 26 February, 03:01 – Entered Prachinburi province.

 

• 26 February, 03:09 – The bus crashed in Bu Phram subdistrict, Nadi district, Prachinburi.

 

Speed Before the Crash

 

GPS data shows the bus was travelling at varying speeds leading up to the crash:

 

• 03:06 – 21 km/h

 

• 03:07  – 23 km/h

 

• 03:08  – 44 km/h

 

• 03:09 – Peaked at 85 km/h (the moment of the crash)

 

Officials have noted concerns regarding the driver’s working hours. GPS records indicate the driver exceeded the legal limit of continuous driving, with a stretch from 21:02 on 25 February to 3:09 on 26 February, amounting to 6 hours and 7 minutes of non-stop driving across Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Prachinburi provinces.

 

The Department of Land Transport and police are conducting detailed investigations into the cause of the crash. Authorities are urging transport companies to enforce stricter rest periods for drivers to prevent future tragedies.

 

-- 2025-02-27

 

Thai drivers  just drive till they fall asleep seems to happen a lot here !!

[Donald Bright]

On 2/26/2025 at 7:56 AM, Aussie999 said:

I don't know all countries, but in Australia they often have 2 drivers, one driving, the other resting, they are also, by law, limited to distance and time they can travel, without a mandatory break.

That;s why i only use NakhonchaiAir busline.   Even Buriram - Bangkok 6hours they change bus drivers half way.

I used them to go from Buriram - Chiagmai a few years ago and they had two changes of drivers on that trip.

They also serve a meal on the bus.  Air con and toilet on board.   Have been using them for 14yrs.

[Robin]

 

As soon as I saw the headline, the words "brake failure" came to mind.

 

Wife tells me that Thai media, Radio, are reporting that Air brakes were at fault, "No air" has been blamed.  Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought that the point of Air Brakes was that when they have 'no air', they default to being ON, hence safe as the bus will not move.  Now it could not have been that there was a fault with the bakes, like leaking air, and this had been disabled instead of repairing the fault?  Never could this happen in Thailand, surely?

I wonder if any of the injured or killed will get any insurance compensation?

[Bangkok Black]

Good old Prachin Buri and the 304 road in the news.

Again for all the wrong but usual reasons.

 

That section of the 304 is usually truck rollover alley with brake fade the common reason.

I have driven that section a few times and like most of the 304 some of it is in a poor condition.

 

As for the coaches (where I am from its a coach not a bus, a bus wouldn't be that type of body)

I have seen in the recent past a convoy of 10 coaches just like the crashed coach on the 304.

All driving in the outside lane and refusing to move over. They caused miles of tail backs.

Other times I have used the 304 I have seen coaches bellowing black smoke and others that just should not be on the road.

 

But nobody cares

Give it a week and this crash will be forgotten about just like the coach that caught fire last year.

 

Then wait for the next big crash..........

[drgoon]

Probably on yaba for the last 3 days and fell asleep 

[Chongalulu]

On 2/26/2025 at 3:02 PM, KhunLA said:

People die in the statistically safest countries also.   The location is not the problem.  Peoples ability (and experience) to drive themselves, and how defensively they drive.

 

The only person making it safe for me to drive here, is me.  I don't need PoPo to enforce the law, or the laws to tell me how to drive.  Common sense kicks it.

 

I rarely drive 120 in the 120 kph allowed stretches of road, as they simply aren't made that good.  

 

I certainly don't pass, even though the line is broken, and passing allowed at many spots, as too close to blind hills or curves.   That's saying a lot, since have plenty of power, driving a BEV.

 

Aside from the helmetless people here, including farangs (too many), people, all simply drive way too fast.   Has nothing to do with enforcement, as I'm sure, many get plenty of speed camera tickets, and simply pay them.

 

I simply stay clear of all the idiots, though TBH, very few on open roads, excepted too many going fast, and safest place to be an idiot.   Work in progress, getting rid of many of the u-turns and cross traffic on the main highways; #1, 2, 4, 11, 31, 41 ... etc 👍

 

On topic ... don't know how you fall asleep on 304, as need to pay attention.  Guessing simply going too fast for conditions, or something else, at 0300 hrs.   Haven't read the whole thread, if already pointed out.

 

Although that is a 10+ hr drive, so maybe fell asleep, and always the saddest of reason to have an accident.  Way too avoidable.

You can only mitigate,but you have little control over others running into you - you can only stay clear by not being on the roads. Fact remains driving sensibly in a country like UK is far safer than here. no matter how you "feel". Statistics…

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE

All Victims’ Belongings Recovered; Driver Faces Charges for Negligence

 

Authorities at the Wang Khon Daeng Police Station stated that all personal belongings have been confirmed as recovered, while charges have been laid against the driver for negligent driving that led to deaths and serious injuries.

 

Police Colonel Sopon Pramanee, the station chief, along with investigative officers, conducted an inventory of additional luggage found in the overturned bus. This included cash, gold bracelets, mobile phones, and personal items, which were displayed in front of the media to assure the public that lost possessions had been returned.

 

The local police chief had ordered a thorough investigation into the missing items after concerns were raised regarding the property of the deceased. An inspection was conducted to check for belongings beneath the bus. Family members of the victims were notified about the recovery of items, including a diamond ring found on the deceased mother’s finger and it was confirmed the reported missing gold, was never on the bus. All recovered possessions have been handed over to the Prajinburi Municipality for distribution to the families.

The driver has been charged with negligent driving resulting in death and serious injury, as well as damage to others’ property. Ongoing investigations aim to determine the extent of the driver’s liability. The bus owner is also under scrutiny, with further legal actions anticipated if culpability is established.

 

At Nadi Hospital, local officials, including District Chief Somjai Puthasena and representatives from the Red Cross, have been providing support and care packages to injured passengers from the crash. Six patients are still receiving treatment at Nadi Hospital, while four are at Kabinde Hospital and another four at Aphai Phubet Hospital, where some remain in critical condition under close medical supervision.

 

Some survivors at Nadi Hospital are preparing to return to their hometown of Prachinburi, with arrangements made for transportation. The hospital has also deployed a psychological support team to assist with the mental health of the injured.

 

A survivor, Ms. Jariya Sena, who was on the bus during the incident, recounted the terrifying moment when the bus crashed. “It was late, and everyone was asleep. I only woke up after we crashed. I saw the injured, and soon after, rescue teams arrived,” she explained. Her girlfriend was killed in the incident.

 

Reflecting on the tragic circumstances, she expressed sorrow over plans to register their marriage after the legalisation of equal marriage rights, which will now never come to pass.

 

The Royal Secretariat Office has offered comprehensive assistance to all injured victims, ensuring that they receive the necessary medical care and support.

 

As investigations continue, the local community mourns the loss of life and offers support to the families affected by this devastating incident.

 

 

-- 2025-02-28

 

[MikeandDow]

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

UPDATE

All Victims’ Belongings Recovered; Driver Faces Charges for Negligence

 

Authorities at the Wang Khon Daeng Police Station stated that all personal belongings have been confirmed as recovered, while charges have been laid against the driver for negligent driving that led to deaths and serious injuries.

 

Police Colonel Sopon Pramanee, the station chief, along with investigative officers, conducted an inventory of additional luggage found in the overturned bus. This included cash, gold bracelets, mobile phones, and personal items, which were displayed in front of the media to assure the public that lost possessions had been returned.

 

The local police chief had ordered a thorough investigation into the missing items after concerns were raised regarding the property of the deceased. An inspection was conducted to check for belongings beneath the bus. Family members of the victims were notified about the recovery of items, including a diamond ring found on the deceased mother’s finger and it was confirmed the reported missing gold, was never on the bus. All recovered possessions have been handed over to the Prajinburi Municipality for distribution to the families.

The driver has been charged with negligent driving resulting in death and serious injury, as well as damage to others’ property. Ongoing investigations aim to determine the extent of the driver’s liability. The bus owner is also under scrutiny, with further legal actions anticipated if culpability is established.

 

At Nadi Hospital, local officials, including District Chief Somjai Puthasena and representatives from the Red Cross, have been providing support and care packages to injured passengers from the crash. Six patients are still receiving treatment at Nadi Hospital, while four are at Kabinde Hospital and another four at Aphai Phubet Hospital, where some remain in critical condition under close medical supervision.

 

Some survivors at Nadi Hospital are preparing to return to their hometown of Prachinburi, with arrangements made for transportation. The hospital has also deployed a psychological support team to assist with the mental health of the injured.

 

A survivor, Ms. Jariya Sena, who was on the bus during the incident, recounted the terrifying moment when the bus crashed. “It was late, and everyone was asleep. I only woke up after we crashed. I saw the injured, and soon after, rescue teams arrived,” she explained. Her girlfriend was killed in the incident.

 

Reflecting on the tragic circumstances, she expressed sorrow over plans to register their marriage after the legalisation of equal marriage rights, which will now never come to pass.

 

The Royal Secretariat Office has offered comprehensive assistance to all injured victims, ensuring that they receive the necessary medical care and support.

 

As investigations continue, the local community mourns the loss of life and offers support to the families affected by this devastating incident.

 

 

-- 2025-02-28

 

500Baht fine for the driver   Thai justice