A devastating accident on Phetkasem Road in Chumphon Province resulted in 28 people being killed or injured after a tour bus collided with a trailer carrying rubberwood logs. The incident occurred on June 16, 2024, at around 10:30 p.m., when the bus, traveling from Bangkok to Ranong, crashed into the back of the trailer as it was making a U-turn in front of the Khao Phang Highway Police Station, Tha Kham Subdistrict.
The collision caused significant damage to the front of the bus, which was registered under the number 15-4515 in Bangkok and operated by Sombat Tour Bus. The trailer, a white Hino with registration number 70-0900 from Ranong, spilled its load of rubberwood logs across the road. The impact resulted in car parts and logs scattering everywhere.
Several passengers aboard the bus were injured, prompting a swift response from rescue teams and nurses from Chumphon Khet Udomsak Hospital, Tha Sae Hospital, and Thonburi-Chumphon Hospital. They provided first aid on the scene before transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. The exact number of injured individuals is still being verified.
The bus driver, identified as Mr. Thanakorn Ua-ngan, was found dead at the scene, crushed against the steering wheel. Next to him, a young female bus hostess also perished. Rescuers had to use cutting equipment to extricate their bodies from the wreckage, which were then sent for autopsy.
Additionally, two pickup trucks were involved in the crash. A single-cab Isuzu D-Max, driven by Mr. Sornchat Sethapakkin, collided with the back of the tour bus, sustaining severe damage. A second blue four-door Isuzu D-Max, driven by Mr. Manoch Noichiw, then crashed into the first pickup, further complicating the scene. Fortunately, neither of the pickup drivers sustained injuries.
Mr. Manoch, the driver of the trailer, stated he had signaled appropriately and was making a U-turn to refuel when the collision occurred. He heard a loud crash just as he was about to complete the maneuver. Mr. Sornchat, the pickup driver, recounted driving at a normal speed in the left lane when he suddenly collided with the tour bus, unable to avoid the accident.
Pol. Lt. Col. Somboon Phumkhachorn from Tha Sae Police Station is leading the investigation. Authorities are currently gathering evidence and testimonies to determine the exact cause of the accident and to ascertain any legal responsibilities. The tour bus had 24 passengers from Ranong Province, along with two drivers and two hostesses, totaling 28 people on board.
As for the police, they are in the process of collecting evidence. Interview eyewitnesses and collect evidence at the scene. To find the true cause further. As for the number of injured people, the exact number is being checked again.
This tragic accident underscores the dangers present on the roads and the critical need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols by all drivers. The authorities are committed to uncovering the details behind this incident to prevent such tragedies in the future.