Bus accident driver ordered to testify about tragic incident
In a stark turn of events, the operator of the tragic bus that careened into two trucks in Prachin Buri, resulting in seven fatalities and 53 injuries, is under the gun. The Transport Ministry has demanded an explanation from the company and warned that legal action may follow if they've broken any land transport laws.
Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote shared that the Department of Land Transport (DLT) is conducting a thorough investigation into the accident, which includes determining liability and estimating compensation for the victims and their families[1]. Preliminary findings suggest the crash could be due to faulty brakes on the interprovincial bus[1].
If the operator is found to have breached land transport regulations, they could face severe consequences[1]. However, the specific charges are yet to be determined, as the investigations are ongoing.
The bus was operated by 407 Pattana Co, a company with a dubious safety record. Witnesses corroborate the bus's high-speed descent before the collision, mouth-watering suspicions of negligence[2].
This tragedy isn't an isolated incident. Just a few days ago, another accident on the same stretch of road claimed the lives of 17 local government employees in Bung Kan[2]. The road is notorious for its S-shaped bends, making it a challenge for vehicles to navigate safely. To prevent such incidents in the future, the Transport Ministry has barred double-decker buses from seven high-risk routes, including the crash site on Highway 304[3]. Moreover, authorities are also installing warning signs and rumble strips on accident-prone stretches to enhance safety[3].
While the victims compensation process is underway, led by the DLT, it's worth noting that Thailand’s road accident victims fund often faces systemic gaps, with 32% of motorcycles nationwide (and 43% in Prachin Buri) lacking mandatory insurance[4]. Strengthening insurance enforcement is a hot topic in recent safety forums, with the aim of ensuring financial protection for all road users[4].
- The operator of the accident-prone bus, 407 Pattana Co, may suffer legal action due to their questionable safety record, as investigations reveal potential breaches of land transport laws.
- In light of the Prachin Buri bus crash, the Department of Land Transport (DLT) is scrutinizing the company's liability and seeking compensation for victims and their families.
- Preliminary findings point towards faulty brakes on the interprovincial bus as a possible cause of the deadly collision, which claimed seven lives and injured 53.
- On the same perilous stretch of Highway 304, another accident recently took the lives of 17 local government employees in Bung Kan.
- As a precautionary measure, the Transport Ministry has banned double-decker buses from seven high-risk routes, including the site of the catastrophic crash, to ensure safer travel.
- The lack of mandatory insurance on a significant number of motorcycles (32% nationwide, 43% in Prachin Buri) has become a pressing issue in recent safety forums, with the goal of fortifying financial protection for all road users.
