Three people were killed and another 30
injured when a charter bus, trying to overtake a tractor-trailer in Huay
Yai, slammed into the back of the 18-wheeler to avoid oncoming traffic.
Theerarak
Suthathiwong
Three people were killed and another 30 injured when
a charter bus smashed into the back of a tractor-trailer in Huay Yai
Friday, March 4.
Manut Omkaew, 39, died at the scene and 33-year-old
Jamrat Lomkha and 12-year-old Lalita Kosana succumbed to injuries at
area hospitals following the 7 p.m. crash on Route 331. Sawang Boriboon
Foundation took more than 30 minutes to rescue passengers from the
wrecked bus, many of them with serious injuries and broken bones.
Fifteen victims were taken to Banglamung Hospital, eight to Bangkok
Hospital Pattaya and three to Queen Sirikit Hospital.
Bus driver Virot Thepjit, who suffered a broken arm,
said 47 people from Samae San had hired the bus to attend the funeral of
Luangta Maha Bua Yannasampanno a beloved and highly respected monk in
Udon Thani.
The 62-year-old said he’d been trying to overtake the
18-wheel truck carrying metal rods, but the truck repeatedly swerved to
prevent the bus from passing. During the final attempt, a small truck
suddenly appeared in the opposite lane, forcing the bus back into its
own lane and it slammed into the rear to tractor-trailer.
Reports stated the heavy truck driver tried to flee the scene, but
was apprehended by police.
Injured passengers were taken for treatment at 3 different hospitals -
Banglamung Hospital, Bangkok Hospital Pattaya and Queen Sirikit
Hospital.
