Two people were killed and 12 injured after a passenger van carrying Lao nationals left the road, overturned and caught fire near the Roi Et-Kalasin provincial border early on 18 August 2026. The Bangkok-registered van was travelling from Bangkok to Mukdahan with 14 people on board, including the driver. The passengers were heading to renew permits in Mukdahan before returning to Laos, according to initial information from authorities. The crash was reported to the 191 emergency radio centre at 5.50am on the four-lane Kalasin-Mukdahan road at Ban Khok Lam, Moo 10, Nong Yai subdistrict, Phon Thong district, Roi Et. The site is near Ban Khui in Kuchinarai district, Kalasin. Police, firefighters, rescue workers and medical teams were sent to the scene after the van driver reportedly veered off the road in the early morning and rapidly became engulfed in flames. The vehicle was destroyed. Survivors taken to hospitals Rescue teams from Bua Khao Rescue, Sam Kha Rescue and emergency medical services transported the injured to several hospitals. Five injured people were taken to Somdet Phra Yuparat Kuchinarai Hospital. Bua Khao Rescue transported six others, while Sam Kha Rescue took one person for treatment. Passenger alleges speeding and fatigue One injured Lao passenger said two young passengers seated in the van had asked for help warning the driver because they believed the vehicle was travelling at about 140km/h. The passenger, who was sitting near the front behind the driver, said he asked the driver to slow down. The driver initially reduced speed but later began driving fast again, he said. He also alleged that the driver appeared sleepy, nodding off while driving and holding the steering wheel with only one hand. Although the van had made an earlier stop, the driver had not rested properly, the passenger said. He was preparing to raise the issue of speed again when the van left the road. Police conducted a detailed examination of the crash site to establish the cause. Officers are also due to question the driver further before taking legal action under the relevant procedures. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? 18 August 2026
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