KHON KAEN, Thailand – A police patrol officer and three young men were killed in a motorcycle collision in Ban Phai district, Khon Kaen, early on August 25, just about an hour after the officers had arrested a suspected drug offender.
Police said the crash occurred on the road between Ban Nong Phue and Ban That in Ban Phai district. One patrol officer was killed at the scene, while his colleague, who was riding pillion, suffered serious injuries. The second motorcycle was carrying three young men, aged 17, 20 and 21. All three died at the scene. Investigators also found a quantity of methamphetamine pills scattered across the road following the crash.
According to Ban Phai Police Station Superintendent Pol. Col. Rakchat Rueangcharoen, the two patrol officers had been carrying out routine duties in their assigned area. About an hour before the collision, they had arrested a suspected drug offender and seized 200 methamphetamine pills.
The officers then continued their patrol on a police motorcycle before becoming involved in the fatal collision.
Police have not yet determined which motorcycle was at fault or how the crash occurred. Investigators are examining the movements and direction of both motorcycles before the collision.
Authorities are also investigating whether the three young men were connected to the drug suspect arrested by the officers earlier that night, particularly after methamphetamine pills were found scattered at the crash scene.
Police said they would investigate the case impartially and await the recovery of the injured officer, who may be able to provide important information about what happened. The investigation remains ongoing. (Story, Photo: Khaosod)
