CHA-AM, THAILAND – An early-morning tour bus crash on Phetkasem Road in Phetchaburi left 16 people injured and power lines hanging dangerously low.
Crash on Phetkasem Road in Early Morning Traffic
The accident occurred at about 7:10 a.m. on the southbound lane in Cha-am, when a bus carrying 52 people went out of control and slammed into a massive power pole. The impact snapped two poles and brought down high-voltage lines.
Because the cables were left hanging dangerously low over the road, emergency crews arranged for the electricity supply to be cut temporarily. Authorities worked along the busy Phetkasem Road to secure the scene and prevent further injuries.
Major Rescue Operation With Multiple Agencies
Officers from the Cha-am police station responded to the crash under the command of R.ต.ท.สุทัศน์ มะเจี่ยว and local chief พ.ต.อ.อภิรักษ์ เพิ่มชัย. They coordinated efforts to manage traffic and support the injured passengers.
Rescue services, traffic police, the Phetchaburi transport office and district chief จ่าเอกแก้ว คงวงษ์ also joined the operation. Several ambulances shuttled victims to nearby hospitals while teams checked the bus and roadside for additional casualties.
Six Passengers Under Ongoing Medical Observation
According to officials, 16 passengers suffered minor injuries and were either treated at the scene or taken to Cha-am Hospital. Some were discharged after first aid, while others required closer monitoring.
Six injured passengers were classified as cases requiring medical observation, including people with head lacerations, back injuries and broken bones. They were transferred to Hua Hin Hospital for further treatment.
Injured Driver Tried to Help Passengers
Initial reports stated that the bus driver sustained a chest injury from hitting the steering wheel and complained of back pain. Despite his condition, he exited the vehicle and attempted to assist other occupants.
After helping at the scene, he was taken to Cha-am Hospital for medical care. Police planned to question the driver as part of their investigation once his health allowed.
Pilgrims on Night “Wai Phra” Temple Tour
A passenger said the group had booked a tour with a private operator for a “Wai Phra” trip, a circuit of nine temples to earn religious merit. The journey started in Bangkok at around 10 p.m. on 16 March.
According to her account, the destination was in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The group was scheduled to visit temples around Khao Tao in the morning and later continue to Sam Roi Yot.
Skid Marks Point to Possible Evasive Maneuver or Fatigue
Investigators at the crash site found a tire mark that ran for more than 20 meters from the traffic lane toward the roadside before the bus hit the poles. Police believed this could indicate an attempted evasive maneuver or a loss of control.
Possible causes under consideration included the bus being cut off by another vehicle or the driver briefly falling asleep at the wheel. Officers were reviewing CCTV footage and taking witness statements to clarify what led to the crash.
“Such accidents show how quickly long night drives, time pressure and unclear traffic conditions on Thailand’s main roads can become a risk for entire tour groups.”
said the article’s commentary.
“Which rules and controls for tour buses do you consider most important so that trips become safer and such journeys do not end in hospital?”
said the article’s commentary.