45 killed in road accidents during Lao New Year

VIENTIANE: -- Forty-five people were killed in road accidents nationwide from April 12 to 18, according to the Traffic Police Department, Ministry of Public Security.

Lao News Agency quoted Traffic Police Department chief Lt Col Khamsone Sidavong as saying yesterday that 325 road accidents were reported during the seven-day celebration of the Lao New Year.

Of the reported casualties, 45 people were killed; 71 were in critically injured; 233 severely injured; and 224 slightly injured.

Some 592 vehicles were reportedly damaged, including 15 that were completely destroyed, 313 that sustained moderate damage, and 264 that were slightly damaged.

Lt Col Khamsone said that most of the accidents were caused by drink-driving, reckless driving or violations of traffic rules.

Vientiane City witnessed 52 road accidents, the largest number, with Champassak reporting 51, and Vientiane Province reporting 46.

Phongsaly, Xaysomboun and Xieng Khuang recorded a fewer number of road accidents, with only three cases being reported in each of the first two provinces, and five cases being reported in Xieng Khuang.

Last year, there were a total of 315 road accidents nationwide with 39 deaths, 560 injuries, and 594 damaged vehicles.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/45-killed-in-road-accidents-during-lao-new-year

-- Thai PBS 2015-04-20

Laos and Cambodia, must be jealous of their neighbour Thailand.

Nearly a tenth of the deaths in those countries.

May all the dead RIP.

Between Lao and Cambodia, less than a quarter of the fatalities registered in Thailand over the Thai New Year.