University Lecturer Killed in Head-on Crash in Roi Et

Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath

A fatal head-on collision on a major road in Roi Et province has left two people dead and four others seriously injured, including a senior university lecturer from Khon Kaen University. The crash involved two sport utility vehicles on the Patamanon Road linking Roi Et and Kalasin, causing significant disruption and prompting an immediate emergency response.

The incident occurred at 4.35pm on 3 January 2026 at a bend near Ban Saeng Laem in Saen Chat subdistrict, Changhan district. Police from Changhan station received reports of multiple people trapped inside damaged vehicles and dispatched officers alongside local rescue and medical teams to the scene.

The road where the crash occurred is a four-lane carriageway without a central reservation. A white Toyota Fortuner, registered in Roi Et, was found heavily damaged at the front left, while a white Mitsubishi Pajero, registered in Kalasin, had severe front-left damage extending into the passenger compartment.

The driver of the Toyota Fortuner, identified as Mr Thanat Kromrin, aged about 42, was rescued and taken to Changhan Hospital. He later died from his injuries despite emergency treatment, becoming the first confirmed fatality.

Inside the Mitsubishi Pajero, rescuers found four injured men and one woman trapped in the front passenger seat. The woman, aged 51, was unconscious and had no pulse when found, prompting rescue workers to use cutting equipment to free her, then performing CPR and using an AED.

She was rushed to Roi Et Hospital but was later pronounced dead. Police identified her as Associate Professor Dr Narakorn Khanasri, aged 51, a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics at Khon Kaen University.

Among those who stopped to help was Ms Sureephorn Kaewkhonkaen, an emergency medical officer from Selaphum Hospital. She said she turned back after seeing the collision and provided assistance due to her professional training until rescue teams arrived.

Police have documented the scene, collected photographic evidence, and recorded the incident in the daily log. Investigators will interview eyewitnesses and occupants of the vehicles to determine the exact cause of the crash and proceed with legal action as appropriate.

ThaiRath reported that initial reports indicate that Dr Narakorn was travelling with her family back to Khon Kaen for work at the time of the collision. The injured survivors remain under medical care as authorities continue their investigation.

Key Takeaways

• Two people were killed and four seriously injured in a head-on collision in Roi Et on 3 January 2026.

• One of the victims was Associate Professor Dr Narakorn Khanasri of Khon Kaen University.

• Police are investigating the cause and have not yet announced conclusions.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thairath 2026-01-05