A tragic bus accident occurred on Wednesday morning in Thailand, resulting in the death of 18 tourists and leaving 32 others injured. The incident took place on a downhill road in Prachinburi, approximately 155 kilometers east of Bangkok. Police reported the bus driver lost control of the vehicle due to brake failure, leading to the bus rolling over after veering off the road.
Colonel Sophon Pramaneehe commented on the situation, stating, "It was going downhill, the brakes failed, and the driver lost control of the vehicle, which rolled over," as reported by Reuters. The bus was reportedly one of three vehicles transporting approximately 200 tourists from the northeastern province of Bueng Kan to the coastal city of Rayong.
Eyewitness accounts and footage shared on social media depicted emergency responder teams engaged in rescue efforts as they attended to the victims. The overturned bus, with its undercarriage visible, highlighted the severity of the crash.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra extended her condolences to the families of the victims. She emphasized the necessity of adhering to safety standards across all modes of transport and vowed to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the incident and prevent future tragedies.
Thailand has long grappled with serious road safety issues, ranked ninth globally for road traffic fatalities according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The country faces criticism for its inadequately enforced vehicle safety regulations and poorly maintained road conditions, contributing to the prevalence of such fatal accidents.
The sequence of events on Wednesday illustrated yet again the dangers associated with Thailand's roadways. Investigations will focus not only on the specific bus involved but also on broader transportation practices and safety compliance across the industry.
This devastating incident is expected to renew discussions about the urgent need for improved vehicle standards and enforcement of safety regulations to protect both residents and tourists alike on Thailand's roads.