Bueng Kan Province: The atmosphere was somber and filled with mourning as Bueng Kan Province held a cremation ceremony for the victims of a tragic bus accident that occurred in Prachin Buri Province. Relatives and local residents gathered at Wat Pa Wiwek Phatthana Ram, Ban Eiat, Tambon Phon Charoen, Amphoe Phon Charoen, to pay their final respects to the deceased.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Songsak Thongsri, the Deputy Minister of the Interior, presided over the cremation ceremony for the victims of the Phon Charoen Municipality study tour bus accident. The bus, which lost control and overturned in Prachin Buri Province, was en route to Rayong Province when the tragedy struck. The incident resulted in 18 deaths and 31 injuries.
During the ceremony, Mr. Songsak offered a monk's robe and placed flowers in front of the coffins. Phra Ratchamongkolwachiratham, also known as Luang Pu Bunma Kamphirathammo of Wat Pa Si Phanom Prachakom, led the monks in giving a sermon and lighting the cremation fire for the four deceased individuals. The event was marked by tears and hugs as relatives sought solace in each other amidst their overwhelming grief.
The Deputy Minister of the Interior is also expected to preside over the cremation of another 13 victims at Wat Pa Wiwek Thamkhun. Additionally, a separate cremation ceremony for one more deceased individual is scheduled to take place tomorrow at Wat Nong Kung Phatthana Ram, Ban Si Udom, Tambon Phon Charoen.
Reflecting on the accident, the tour bus from Por Charoen Subdistrict Municipality lost control while descending Khao Sala Pu Thon in Prachin Buri Province. The driver reported brake failure, which led to the catastrophic incident. Investigations revealed that the bus did not make a scheduled stop at a rest area before the descent. The driver has been charged with reckless driving causing death and serious injury, as well as causing damage to property.
In the aftermath of the accident, 13 of the injured have been discharged from hospitals, while 18 continue to receive treatment at various medical facilities, including Kabin Buri Hospital, Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, Chularat Hospital, Bueng Kan Hospital, and Phra Charoen Hospital.