BURIRAM, Thailand – A fatal traffic accident involving an 18-wheel trailer claimed the life of a 20-year-old student. The driver surrendered to police after reviewing surveillance footage and claims the young woman’s motorcycle fell before it was run over.
Mother Loses Her Only Daughter
For Uraiwan Dadtuyawat, her world collapsed. The 39-year-old is still struggling to come to terms with the loss of her only daughter. N.S. Arinya, affectionately known as Kiwi, was nearing the end of her studies at the Technical College and had become engaged to her boyfriend just days prior.
The parents had placed all their hopes in the 20-year-old. She was the center of the family’s universe and was in her final year of education when she died on June 8th around 1:35 PM on her way home in Tambon Nong Song Hong.
Surveillance Cameras Bring a Turnaround
Investigators at the Mueang Buriram Police Station feverishly analyzed video material from a nearby workshop. The recordings showed the green 18-wheel trailer and provided crucial clues about the involved vehicle.
After the images were released to the public, the 53-year-old driver, Somporn, eventually appeared at the station before Police Lieutenant Colonel Setthapong Meeklom. He admitted to having been driving the multi-ton truck at the time of the accident.
Driver Denies Collision
Somporn recounted his version of the fatal seconds to the officers. He insists he did not touch Kiwi’s motorcycle. The student was riding in the innermost lane when the trailer changed lanes from left to right – he surmised she was so startled that she fell.
Forensics experts examined the chassis of the 18-wheeler. During the initial inspection, officers indeed found no signs of a collision on the vehicle that subsequently ran over Kiwi and her motorcycle. The trailer is being held for further forensic checks.
Negligence Leading to Death Charge
Police immediately initiated proceedings against Somporn. The charge is negligence leading to death. Whether the driver actually fled the scene of the accident remains a subject of ongoing investigations.
Somporn himself stated that he did not even notice the fatal incident. If the suspicion of hit-and-run is substantiated, he could face additional charges, the officers announced.
A Mother Prepared to Forgive
Amidst her grief, Uraiwan Dadtuyawat displayed an exceptionally generous spirit. She stated she did not want to blame the driver and viewed the incident as a terrible accident, as there was no intent to flee.
Somporn is now preparing to apologize to the victim’s family and seek forgiveness before Kiwi’s coffin. The student’s mother has already guaranteed his safety to do so.