PHICHIT, Thailand – A packed intercity bus overturned on Highway 117 early this morning, injuring 25 passengers.
Bus on route to Bangkok overturns on median strip
The air-conditioned first-class bus had departed from Sukhothai and was en route to the Mo Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok. Shortly before the Phichit industrial area, at kilometer marker 97 in the Nong Lum sub-district, the bus veered off the roadway. The vehicle skidded onto the median strip, lost balance completely, and rolled onto its side. Several occupants were trapped and had to be extricated from the wreckage by rescue crews.
25 injured transported to surrounding hospitals
Officers from the Pluak Sung Highway Police and emergency responders from the Wachirabarami Police Station arrived at the scene shortly after midnight. They encountered a scene of shattered windows, scattered luggage, and injured passengers. Rescue teams transported 25 passengers with minor to moderate injuries to nearby hospitals. Three of them required inpatient care and remain hospitalized for treatment.
52-year-old driver blows over the limit
Following the recovery operation, police administered an alcohol test to bus driver Anucha. The result exceeded the legal limit for professional drivers, as confirmed by Lieutenant Colonel Phattharaphon Thapwat of the Wachirabarami Police Station. Anucha admitted to consuming a small amount of alcohol before starting his journey. He told officers that he became drowsy during the drive and briefly fell asleep at the wheel.
“Only regained consciousness after losing control”
said Anucha, 52.
According to his statement, the 52-year-old only became aware again once the bus had already gone out of control. The vehicle swerved, landed on the median strip, and overturned. For the police, the chain of events involving alcohol consumption, microsleep, and loss of control is central to the ongoing investigation. Officers are examining the precise sequence of the accident and whether other factors played a role.
Hotel for stranded, replacement bus to Bangkok
Following the crash, district authorities arranged hotel accommodation for the stranded passengers overnight. The following morning, June 18th, a replacement bus provided by the operating company completed the journey to Bangkok. Three injured passengers continue to be treated in the hospital. Police are investigating the driver on suspicion of endangering road traffic under the influence of alcohol.