SURAT THANI: The governor of Surat Thani has mandated an urgent inspection of a newly constructed road after a tragic series of incidents, including a tour bus overturning and a pickup truck crashing into a tree. The governor's directive comes amid concerns that incomplete construction on the road may have contributed to the accidents, which resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries.
According to Thai News Agency, the first incident involved a chartered tour bus carrying elderly passengers from Samut Sakhon Province, which overturned on Asia Road 41 near Pa We Intersection, Chaiya District, Surat Thani Province. The accident, which occurred on January 1, resulted in five deaths and 30 injuries. The bus was returning from a New Year festival in Betong District, Yala Province, when it met with the accident.
Following the crash, the bodies of the deceased were taken to the Surat Thani Kusonsattha Foundation, pending collection by relatives for religious rites. The injured were treated at local hospitals, with some already discharged. The Surat Thani Transport office is aiding in returning those with minor injuries to their hometowns in Samut Sakhon Province. The governor visited those with minor injuries, who are temporarily accommodated at a resort offering free lodging.
The investigation revealed that the bus, which departed Samut Sakhon on December 28 with 38 passengers, had been traveling without speed violations, maintaining a velocity of 81 km/h at the time of the accident. Initial assessments suggest that the accident may have been caused by road defects, as the road construction is incomplete, lacking traffic lines and curve signs. The governor has urged for immediate repairs, with plans for additional road barriers to be installed before the upcoming Songkran festival.
The Thai News Agency reported that the road construction stretches from Chaiya Intersection to Pa We Intersection over a distance of 1-2 kilometers. The accident site is a two-lane road with minimal shoulder space, and preliminary findings indicate that the bus's right wheel slipped off the road, causing it to crash into a tree. The police have charged the bus driver, Mr. Suthep, with reckless driving leading to fatalities and injuries. During questioning, he explained that he lost control while overtaking another vehicle.
In another incident on the same road, a pickup truck with a Bangkok license plate crashed into a tree, resulting in seven deaths. The accident occurred on January 2, approximately four kilometers from the bus accident site. The pickup was traveling from Pathio District, Chumphon Province, to Trang Province. Witnesses claim the vehicle swerved to avoid a parked van before hitting the tree, with initial assumptions pointing to driver fatigue as the cause.
The Transport Safety Office, Department of Land Transport, verified that the tour bus had recently passed inspection, with both vehicle and driver deemed ready for travel. Authorities plan to convene with related agencies to investigate the accidents and implement safety measures for road users.