Three people were killed and another 30 injured when a charter bus smashed into the back of a tractor-trailer in Huay Yai Friday.
Manut Omkaew, 39, died at the scene and 33-year-old Jamrat Lomkha and 12-year-old Lalita Kosana succumbed to injuries at area hospitals following the 7 p.m. crash on Route 331.
The Sawang Boriboon Foundation took more than 30 minutes to rescue passengers from the wrecked bus, many of them with serious injuries and broken bones. Fifteen victims were taken to Banglamung Hospital, eight to Bangkok Hospital Pattaya and three to Queen Sirikit Hospital.
Rescue workers struggle to free injured passengers from the badly damaged tour bus.
Bus driver Virot Thepjit, who suffered a broken arm, said 47 people from Samae San had hired the bus to attend the funeral of a beloved monk in Korat. The 62-year-old said he’d been trying to overtake the 18-wheel truck carrying metal rods, but the truck repeatedly swerved to prevent the bus from passing. During the final attempt, a small truck suddenly appeared in the opposite lane, forcing the bus back into its own lane and it slammed into the rear of the tractor-trailer.
Reports stated the driver of the heavy truck tried to flee the scene, but was apprehended by police.
