A tour bus accident on March 22, 2025, has left 38 tourists injured in Phuket, Thailand, as a vehicle carrying Russian visitors overturned while navigating a steep road in Kamala. The bus, which was making its way from Kamala Beach to Patong Beach, lost control at around 5:20 PM, prompting an immediate response from local authorities and emergency teams.
According to reports, the bus crashed on a two-lane road known for its incline, which led to its loss of balance. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, although several individuals sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious. Local residents quickly intervened, assisting the injured tourists to exit the bus safely. They provided ladders that allowed those trapped inside to escape from the overturned vehicle.
The Kamala police were notified of the incident by nearby villagers, who witnessed the bus's overturning. Officers from the Kamala Police Station swiftly arrived at the scene to survey the situation and coordinate rescue efforts. Medical teams from Patong Hospital also rushed to the site to provide assistance. Between 5:20 PM and 6:19 PM, numerous individuals were treated and transported to local hospitals.
Out of the 38 passengers affected, 3 were Thai nationals while the majority, 35 individuals, were tourists from Russia. Local reports indicated that 34 passengers experienced minor injuries, characterized mainly by scrapes and bruises, while 4 others were classified as sustaining more serious injuries. An elderly male tourist, who appeared to be in a critical condition with significant injuries, was brought to the hospital along with others needing urgent care.
By 8:00 PM, a tow truck was on site, lifting the wrecked bus away from the accident scene. As medical personnel continued their operating procedure, officials also began an investigation into the cause of the accident, focusing on the conditions leading to the vehicle turning over. Authorities are reviewing footage from dash cameras and interviewing witnesses to piece together the precursors to this unfortunate event.
As part of their protocol, police have also taken the bus driver for drug and alcohol testing. This process is vital to ascertain whether any factors related to the driver may have contributed to the overturning of the vehicle. Protecting the safety of tourists remains a top priority for local officials, particularly in areas frequented by visitors.
In the wake of the accident, Phuket's community has come together to aid those impacted, providing both assistance at the scene and follow-up support. Local authorities have set up measures to further improve safety on the roads, especially for commercial vehicles transporting tourists.
This incident comes just as Phuket is preparing to host several significant events, such as the Asia Festival Awards scheduled from May 1 to May 6, 2025. This international competition is expected to attract thousands of participants, emphasizing the importance of maintaining travel safety for residents and visitors alike.
The investigation continues as the Kamala Police work diligently to uncover the full details surrounding the incident and ensure similar occurrences are prevented in the future. The safety measures and quick response from both police and community members have, by all accounts, mitigated what could have been a far worse situation.
As we await further updates from the local police department, tourists and residents alike are reminded to remain vigilant and prioritize safety while enjoying what Phuket has to offer.
