Seven people perished,
including two children, when fire swept through their minivan after it
crashed into a signpost near Bira Circuit on Highway 36.
Boonlua Chatree
Seven people, including two children, one only 9 months old,
were burned to death in a horrific accident when their minivan crashed
into a signpost near the Bira racetrack on Highway 36.
Lottery vendors Sukhsan Bunthum, 54; his wife Siriwan, 51; niece Pinchat
Thumcharoen, 7; Jamnien Singhkhet, 51, and daughter Suphakorn Singkhet,
38; and son Theeraphat Mingmit, 9 months, died with another unidentified
male after the Bangkok-Rayong liquid petroleum gas-powered van burst
into flames May 2. Driver Chuchart Photchai, 50, and two other
passengers survived and are being treated at Queen Sirikit Hospital.
Police said it appeared Chuchart veered sharply to the right, slamming
into the “No U-Turn” sign. Investigators alleged he’d either cut off
another vehicle and lost control, or had fallen asleep. He has been
charged with reckless driving resulting in death.
Survivor Sreephrai Saemsuksai, 56, said the driver had spent the entire
trip talking with a woman in the passenger seat.
Witnesses reported that, after the crash, fire burst from the LPG tanks
in the rear of the vehicle and swept through the van.
Chumnan Thumcharoen, who lost his wife and daughter in the crash, said
they were on their way to Bangkok to buy more lottery tickets. He felt
completely devastated after losing his family so tragically.
Buntoh Singkhet, 73, who lost three family members, said he hopes the
crash prompts public officials to enact stronger measures to prevent
this type of accident from reoccurring.