Trang: A double-decker bus traveling from Phuket to Betong overturned in the Huai Yot district of Trang province, injuring more than 40 people. The incident occurred late at night, resulting in the driver sustaining severe injuries, including a severed left leg.
According to Thai News Agency, the accident took place on Phetkasem Road, Trang-Krabi section, opposite Samakkee Suksa School in Nawong Subdistrict, Huai Yot District, at approximately 2:00 AM. Police from Huai Yot Police Station, along with over 20 rescue vehicles from various foundations and hospitals, responded swiftly to the scene to assist the victims.
The bus, operated by Thiangtham Poonphol Company, was found overturned on its right side in a ditch beside the road, with significant damage to its front. Officials had to break the rear window to evacuate passengers and the injured from the vehicle before administering first aid and transporting them to nearby hospitals.
Initially, more than 10 individuals suffered serious injuries, while over 30 others sustained minor injuries. Most were taken to Huai Yot Hospital and Wang Wiset Hospital for treatment. The driver, identified as Mr. Sirichai Tangsaengki, 52, was severely injured but remained conscious. He reported that a motorcycle abruptly cut in front of him, forcing him to swerve and lose control of the vehicle. Additionally, a bus crew member suffered a fractured left ankle.
Further investigation revealed that the bus sideswiped a parked truck, causing damage to its front bumper and windshield, before the bus slid off the road for approximately 80 meters and overturned.
The bus attendant reported that the vehicle had departed from Phuket Bus Terminal at approximately 10:00 PM on February 14th, with a scheduled arrival in Betong District, Yala Province, at 11:30 AM on February 15th. The bus carried 49 passengers, along with the driver and two attendants, totaling 52 people. The attendant was asleep during the incident and was unaware of the events leading to the accident.
Some passengers speculated that the driver might have fallen asleep at the wheel. A police officer from Na Wong Subdistrict, who witnessed the incident, supported this theory, stating that he did not see a motorcycle cut in front of the bus. Authorities plan to question the driver, bus staff, and passengers to ascertain the true cause of the accident. The transport company has dispatched a new bus to transport the remaining passengers to their destination.