KANCHANABURI, Thailand – A 54-year-old driver allegedly ploughed his car into a child development centre, leaving 19 children injured. Police have slapped five charges on him and his 30-year-old relative, and will fight any bail bid.
Cops say the man caused damage and injuries through reckless driving. They also hit him with illegal gun possession, carrying a firearm in a public place, and two drug offences.
Both men test positive for drugs
Police confirmed both suspects tested positive for narcotics. The 54-year-old faces an extra charge: driving under the influence of methamphetamine.
Officers arrested the driver and his relative on the day of the crash.
Car smashed into kids’ centre
The horror unfolded on August 7 at the Ban Nong Song Ton child development centre in Kaeng Sian subdistrict, Mueang Kanchanaburi. The victims — toddlers aged two to four — were napping at midday when the car slammed into the building.
In total, 19 children suffered injuries. Cops nabbed the driver and his 30-year-old passenger that same day.
Police found unregistered gun
According to officers, they discovered an unregistered firearm on the two men. Drug test results confirmed both had consumed illegal substances.
The five charges cover the crash, the weapon possession, carrying the gun, and the drug use.
Top cop visits injured girl
Provincial police chief Phasawi Rueangphu and other officers visited a two-year-old girl in Kaeng Sian. The child suffered a head injury.
The team brought well-wishes and a support package for her recovery.
Pair to be paraded before provincial court
Police plan to bring the driver and his relative before the Kanchanaburi Provincial Court today for pre-trial detention. Investigators will formally object to any release on bail.
The five charges include the accident, the gun offence, carrying the weapon and the drug violations.
said a police source.