CHON BURI, THAILAND – A fatigued pickup driver crashed into a crowded public songthaew in Chon Buri, injuring 14 people including several students on their way to school.
Early-morning collision on Ban Suan access road
Around 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, a bronze pickup truck slammed at high speed into the rear of a red songthaew on an access road opposite the Tuk-Nam building in Ban Suan. Rescuers found the back of the public vehicle completely crushed and the pickup’s left front heavily damaged. Injured passengers lay scattered across the roadway as emergency teams began treatment.
Students among 14 injured on way to school
The songthaew had been carrying a group of students to Chonkanyanukoon School after being picked up at the Nong Mon stop shortly before the collision. According to reports, the 61-year-old driver, Thanachai, had just taken the children on board when the pickup hit from behind. In total, 14 people were injured and taken to Chon Buri Hospital after receiving first aid at the scene.
Witnesses recall violent impact and chaos
One student described how the vehicle suddenly shook during the impact.
“The songthaew shook terribly after a loud bang.”
said the student, adding that several classmates were injured or even thrown from the vehicle by the force of the crash. Another passenger, 65-year-old Nipa, briefly lost consciousness as the vehicle spun around.
“I heard a loud bang, then the vehicle spun and people were hurled out.”
said Nipa.
Pickup driver admits falling asleep at the wheel
The 50-year-old pickup driver, Sitthipon, immediately accepted responsibility when questioned by investigators. He had been returning from the market when fatigue overtook him and he briefly dozed off.
“I nodded off at the wheel for a moment,”
said the driver, explaining that during this short episode of microsleep he lost control and crashed without braking into the public transport vehicle in front of him.
Police investigation and potential legal action
Police in Mueang Chon Buri launched an investigation at the scene and said they would initiate legal action against the pickup driver. Officers documented the extensive damage to both vehicles and took statements from injured passengers and witnesses. Authorities stated that their findings would determine the charges to be brought.
Recent crashes intensify safety concerns
The incident formed part of a troubling series of serious accidents in the region. Just days earlier in Pattaya, a car had crashed into a residential house, injuring three people and trapping a woman in a bathroom under a collapsing wall. The sequence of crashes further fuelled public concern about road safety in eastern Thailand.
Experts highlight risks of driver fatigue
Traffic specialists repeatedly warned of the dangers of driver fatigue, particularly in the early morning hours. They noted that so-called “microsleep” episodes were among the most common causes of serious crashes and could affect any motorist. The Chon Buri school-run crash underlined how quickly an everyday journey could turn into what victims described as a nightmare.
Police urge motorists to rest when tired
Police appealed to all road users to pull over immediately at the first signs of tiredness. They stressed that vigilance must be especially high on well-known school routes, where children rely on public transport every day. For the injured students and other passengers, a long recovery now lay ahead after a trip that was meant to be safe but ended in trauma.