Bangkok City Bus Accident Injures 22

[george]

City bus accident injures 22

BANGKOK: -- Just a day after a one-baht fare hike, a private bus driver yesterday crashed his vehicle into a footpath fence on Kaset-Nawamin road, injuring 22 of his passengers, as he sped up to avoid traffic police on patrol nearby.

The No. 39 bus driver Krisana Nima fled but later surrendered to Bang Khen police. He blamed the accident on a brake malfunction as he made a U-turn under a bridge and could not slow down.

Buses are usually not allowed to make U-turns there, but, according to the police, Mr Krisana broke the traffic rule and attempted to race past police officers to avoid being arrested.

He was charged with reckless driving that caused injuries to his passengers.

"He sped past other cars to the left and right along the way and scraped one car before the accident," said one passenger, who was slightly hurt.

Most of the passengers sustained minor injuries. Only five, who had bruises to the eyes and head, were told to stay overnight at a hospital for observation.

The accident came just one day after private firms were allowed to raise fares from six to seven baht for non-airconditioned buses due to soaring fuel prices.

Many of these buses have been found to be in poor condition and they are often blamed for air pollution. Reports of fatal accidents caused by drivers who have been banned often make headlines.

"We have already suspended this bus," said Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) acting director Opas Phetmunee.

The BMTA has given concessions to private bus operators on some city routes but often receives complaints about poor services.

Mr Opas said his agency would consider whether to cancel a concession given to Saha Khonsong Thonburi Co, which owned the No. 39 bus. An initial inspection indicated the brakes on the bus failed.

--Bangkok Post 2006-02-16