KHON KAEN, THAILAND – A passenger bus crashed into a heavy truck on Mitraphap Road, injuring 27 people.
Bus crashes into truck – 27 injured
The accident occurred at approximately 23:10 when a bus traveling from Si Chiang Mai in Nong Khai province to Bangkok collided with an 18-wheel truck on Mitraphap Road. The impact was so severe that the front of the bus was completely destroyed.
A total of 49 people were on board. According to police, the truck suddenly changed lanes, and the bus driver was unable to brake in time, crashing head-on into the heavy vehicle.
Rescue efforts in the darkness
Paramedics and rescue teams from multiple organizations arrived immediately. They had to free the injured from the wrecked bus. 27 people were injured and taken to three different hospitals in Khon Kaen.
22 other passengers refused hospital treatment. They were unharmed but in shock. Rescue workers labored through the night to assist all victims.
Police investigate truck driver
Police in Tha Phara have launched an investigation. The driver of the 18-wheel truck is suspected of changing lanes suddenly without checking for the bus approaching from behind. The reason for the maneuver remains unclear.
The bus had departed from Nong Khai and had picked up passengers at the bus station in Khon Kaen shortly before the crash. The exact cause is still under investigation.
Safety tips for bus travelers: How to protect yourself
A bus accident like the one in Khon Kaen highlights the importance of basic safety measures for passengers. Upon boarding, travelers should familiarize themselves with the location of emergency exits and ensure a safety hammer is visible and within reach. Knowing this could save precious seconds in an emergency.
If seat belts are available on the bus, they should be fastened throughout the entire journey, even on short trips. In the event of a collision, a seat belt can prevent serious injury. Stay alert and hold on while seated to avoid being thrown around during sudden braking.