Tragic Road Accidents in Surat Thani Result in Twelve Fatalities
PUBLISHED: January 2, 2025 at 13:05
SURAT THANI: A series of devastating road accidents in Surat Thani have resulted in twelve fatalities and injured thirty others over a span of just a few hours. The incidents occurred on Wednesday and Thursday within a short distance of each other.
Local police and rescue teams responded to the first incident early Thursday morning on Asian Highway 41. At approximately 7 AM, officers discovered a severely damaged Toyota pickup truck that had collided with a tree, claiming the lives of four individuals on the spot, including two girls and two boys. Three additional victims succumbed to their injuries later at Chaiya Hospital.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the driver of the pickup truck was speeding when it swerved to avoid a minivan parked to pick up students, leading to the tragic crash. The truck was reportedly traveling from Chumphon province to Trang, with all occupants being relatives.
Just four kilometers away, a separate horrific accident involving a tour bus occurred the previous evening. The bus, carrying thirty-seven passengers, skidded off the road and plunged into a ditch opposite the Donrak resort around 7:30 PM, resulting in five deaths, including multiple serious injuries.
The bus drivers were apprehended for questioning as part of the investigation. Passengers described hearing a loud crash before the bus lost control and hit several trees.
Rescue teams continue to work diligently, recovering victims and providing medical aid as needed. The deceased have been transferred to the Kusolsatthra Surat Thani rescue foundation, awaiting identification and funeral arrangements.
