Eight bus passengers were killed and more than 20 injured after a double-decker bus crashed into the concrete pillar for the overhead bridge. A total of 32 passengers were on the Bangkok – Suwannaphum bus operated by the state-run Transport Company. Five people died immediately at the scene and three later died at the hospital. 22 people, including the driver, were admitted to hospitals to treat their injuries.
The passenger bus was driving on Mittraphap Road in the central province of Saraburi on Saturday. Another driver who witnessed the accident posted a dashcam video of the accident. The bus appeared to be driving at a high speed when it hit the bridge’s supporting pillar, ripping the right side of the bus. Some passengers were ejected from the bus due to the strong impact and were found lying on the road. Others were trapped inside the vehicle.
The bus’s route was from the Suwannaphum district of Isaan province Roi Et and was headed to Bangkok. Saraburi Provincial Transport officers say the bus’s GPS reported the speed at about 80 kilometres per hour. Police suspect the driver may have fallen or may have suddenly changed lanes, but the driver says one of the tyres may have burst, according to Thai PBS World.
If the driver was found to be driving recklessly, he could be charged up to 5,000 baht and his licence could be suspended for 30 days to 90 days. If any malfunctions were found on the bus, the Transport Company could be charged up to 50,000 baht as well as 1,100,000 baht in compensation for the passengers.
A 30 year old male passenger told Thai media says he was picked up mid-route in the Isaan province Nakhon Ratchasima and on his way to Bangkok. He got a seat in the back of the bus and was sleeping. He says he woke up when the bus hit a barrier and then saw the bus crash into the bridge’s supporting pillar. He says he was lucky that he just sustained a mild injury.
SOURCES: Khaosod | Thairath | Sanook| Thai PBS World