PHATTHALUNG, Thailand – A bus carrying elderly passengers crashed in Phatthalung province, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries.
A bus full of seniors was involved in an accident in Phatthalung province. The 75-year-old driver lost control on a wet road, causing the vehicle to overturn and land in a ditch. One 70-year-old passenger died, and 18 others were injured.
Sharp curve in Ban Ton Don becomes death trap
Around 2:50 PM, the Isuzu Songthaew, with license plates from Phatthalung, entered a sharp curve in the village of Ban Ton Don. The vehicle veered off course, tipped over, and tumbled headfirst into a roadside ditch.
Rain had fallen in the region prior to the incident, leaving the road wet and extremely slippery. According to the driver’s initial statement, this is precisely why the vehicle lost traction in the bend.
Senior group returning from a funeral
Almost all passengers on board were elderly members of the group “Ruam Jai Rak Samakkhi.” They hailed from Village 10, Kuan Maphrao, and were returning together from a funeral in the Rattaphum district of neighboring Songkhla province.
The 75-year-old driver, Boonsri, who sustained minor injuries himself, told police that the wet road offered him no chance. He explained that he lost control as the heavy vehicle entered the curve.
70-year-old Somboon dies – 18 injured
For one of the seniors, all help came too late. The 70-year-old, Somboon Wongsuwan, died at the scene of the accident. In total, emergency responders counted 18 injured individuals. Twelve of them were taken to Phatthalung Hospital and Khao Chaison Hospital, including one critically injured person. Six with minor injuries received on-site treatment.
Village residents and fellow passengers immediately pulled the injured from the wreckage and brought them to safety before rescue teams, comprising more than five vehicles, arrived.
Ambulance slides off road while en route to aid
As the rescue operation was underway, another accident occurred. A vehicle from the Tamnuan sub-district administration, speeding to the scene with flashing lights, lost traction on the rain-slicked road and veered off the roadway. The vehicle sustained damage.
Fortunately, the three rescue personnel on board remained unharmed and were able to continue their duties later.
Police investigating exact cause of accident
Officers from the Khao Chaison Police Station collected evidence and questioned those involved. The exact sequence of events is to be thoroughly clarified.
Once the investigations are complete, the police will initiate legal proceedings.