9 killed, 27 injured when bus overturns in Kanchanaburi
KANCHANABURI: -- A chartered bus heading to a monk's funeral overturned at a sharp curve, killing nine people and injuring 27 others.
Police said the accident happened at 7 am on the Thong Phaphume - Sangkha Buri Road at a downhill sharp curve.
Police said the bus lost control while was going downhill and encounter the sharp curve, causing it to overturn.
Eight died inside the bus and another died on the way to the hospital. Those who were killed were seven women and two men.
Five of the injured were in severe condition and were forwarded from the Sangkha Buri Hospital to the Kanchanaburi Hospital.
The bus driver, Prapasrat Saengthon, 57, fled the scene.
Police said the bus was heading to the funeral of Luangpor Janthima, the late abbot of Wat Wang Wiwekaram in Sangkha Buri.
-- The Nation 2008-01-26
9 Killed, 27 Injured In Bus Accident
Started by george, 2008-01-26 13:14
#2
Scott
Star Member Posted 2008-01-26 13:19:21
This is truly sad. My condolences to the families of the victims.
I've always wondered how such brutal crashes can leave the driver not only uninjured, but in good enough condition to flee. #3
Galong
Super Member Posted 2008-01-26 13:59:37
In the past I thought the drivers fled the scene to avoid legal action, but it just might be to avoid getting a beating by the survivors... I know I would be rather pissed off if a crazy driver caused me bodily harm. I can run fairly fast, so he better get a good jump.
#4
DamianMavis
Senior Member Posted 2008-01-26 14:15:51
Why on earth does almost every single news story involving damage to propoerty or persons intentional or not have a sentence at the bottom saying : "So and so fled the scene", it's ridiculous.
Damian #5
apetley
Platinum Member Posted 2008-01-26 15:23:04
Why on earth does almost every single news story involving damage to propoerty or persons intentional or not have a sentence at the bottom saying : "So and so fled the scene", it's ridiculous. Damian Is the news article ridiculous in it's reporting or is the driver being ridiculous when he flees the scene? I am inclined to agree with Galong, more likely to be fearful of their lives from a passenger lynching when they realise the consequences of what was probably reckless driving. #6
Kan Win
The Colonel an Amateur Photographer Posted 2008-01-26 17:33:37
Wat Wang Wiwekaram in Sangkha Buri. -- The Nation 2008-01-26 Wat Wang Wiwekaram This extensive temple on the southern outskirts of Sangkhla Buri edges on Khao Laem reservoir. The complex is constructed in an unusual mix of Thai, Indian, and Burmese Buddhist architectural styles, and the abbot Luang Pho Uttama is highly revered among local people, including tribal folk and Burmese.  Rest in Peace Kan Win 
#7
meemiathai
Platinum Member Posted 2008-01-26 18:19:53
Why on earth does almost every single news story involving damage to propoerty or persons intentional or not have a sentence at the bottom saying : "So and so fled the scene", it's ridiculous. Damian To avoid the possibility of being killed at scene. It is the bloody culture! #8
meemiathai
Platinum Member Posted 2008-01-26 18:21:42
Why on earth does almost every single news story involving damage to propoerty or persons intentional or not have a sentence at the bottom saying : "So and so fled the scene", it's ridiculous. Damian Is the news article ridiculous in it's reporting or is the driver being ridiculous when he flees the scene? I am inclined to agree with Galong, more likely to be fearful of their lives from a passenger lynching when they realise the consequences of what was probably reckless driving. #9
BigSnake
Platinum Member Posted 2008-01-26 18:23:02
Yep, here we go again, just a few months have past since the fire on the Bus from Ubon to Bangkok. Sad indeed.
 
#10
Tony Clifton
Platinum Member Posted 2008-01-26 18:27:02
Why on earth does almost every single news story involving damage to propoerty or persons intentional or not have a sentence at the bottom saying : "So and so fled the scene", it's ridiculous. Damian Is the news article ridiculous in it's reporting or is the driver being ridiculous when he flees the scene? I am inclined to agree with Galong, more likely to be fearful of their lives from a passenger lynching when they realise the consequences of what was probably reckless driving. Ever seen a Thai walk up to the front of the bus and tap the driver on the shoulder to then tell him to slow down? Never happens. Face kills and no one learns. Will happen again in a week or so. I was in a bus full with 60 schoolkids and teachers the first weeks I was here and asked a Thai teacher what was going on with the bus driver being so careless? "Don't worry, it's normal"  Never again, even my wife doesn't get to drive. #11
eddie11
Senior Member Posted 2008-01-26 18:30:16
I believe that the drivers are told by their bosses to do a runner so they have time to make up a bullshit excuse,
or pay the right people #12
lazeeboy
Titanium Member Posted 2008-01-26 18:42:00
until one of these crashes kills an influential thai or there child ,its more of the same
#13
meemiathai
Platinum Member Posted 2008-01-26 18:43:05
Why on earth does almost every single news story involving damage to propoerty or persons intentional or not have a sentence at the bottom saying : "So and so fled the scene", it's ridiculous. Damian Is the news article ridiculous in it's reporting or is the driver being ridiculous when he flees the scene? I am inclined to agree with Galong, more likely to be fearful of their lives from a passenger lynching when they realise the consequences of what was probably reckless driving. Ever seen a Thai walk up to the front of the bus and tap the driver on the shoulder to then tell him to slow down? Never happens. Face kills and no one learns. Will happen again in a week or so. I was in a bus full with 60 schoolkids and teachers the first weeks I was here and asked a Thai teacher what was going on with the bus driver being so careless? "Don't worry, it's normal" Never again, even my wife doesn't get to drive.  I hate to see people suffer. #15
AlexLah
The one that knows..... Posted 2008-01-26 20:44:04
Did I hear someone mentioning that the driver fled the scene?
Anyway a sad and tragic accident that could be prevented. Heard on the news that the bus was going downhill and flipped over in a sharp corner, so either the driver was not familiar with the road or just reckless. Couse and effect. is there a Thai translation for that? I took a long bus trip two times in Thailand but will never ever again. I remember one where the driver constantly fell asleep and his assistant waking him up by giving a good shake. A few other foreigners also noticed this and we discussed and demanded the bus to stop and let us out and get the tourleader book us for the next bus. Yes tourguide asked us many times why you want to go out, bla bla. Had to wait about 4 hours but at least we felt more safe. #16
mackayae
Senior Member Posted 2008-01-26 21:00:19
It's standard policy. The driver leaves. The company sorts out the legal problems.
#17
Briggsy
Nomark Posted 2008-01-26 22:49:34
If this is the final descent into Sangkhlaburi, it is very steep and there are numerous signs stating "Use low gear" and surprisingly the regular passenger buses do, crawling down the hill in first gear. This was a chartered bus and as such is traditionally associated with very low driving standards.
#18
Tony Clifton
Platinum Member Posted 2008-01-27 00:55:07
Why on earth does almost every single news story involving damage to propoerty or persons intentional or not have a sentence at the bottom saying : "So and so fled the scene", it's ridiculous. Damian Is the news article ridiculous in it's reporting or is the driver being ridiculous when he flees the scene? I am inclined to agree with Galong, more likely to be fearful of their lives from a passenger lynching when they realise the consequences of what was probably reckless driving. Ever seen a Thai walk up to the front of the bus and tap the driver on the shoulder to then tell him to slow down? Never happens. Face kills and no one learns. Will happen again in a week or so. I was in a bus full with 60 schoolkids and teachers the first weeks I was here and asked a Thai teacher what was going on with the bus driver being so careless? "Don't worry, it's normal" Never again, even my wife doesn't get to drive. I hate to see people suffer. If you're trying to be sarcastic, let me deflate your balloon over in Hong Kong by saying for the umpteenth time on here that I'm on my way out. You need not worry about my and my family's safety any longer. #19
sonnyJ
Senior Member Posted 2008-01-27 02:12:40
[quote name='Tony Clifton' post='1784667' date='2008-01-27 00:55:07'][quote name='meemiathai' post='1784160' date='2008-01-26 18:43:05'][quote name='Tony Clifton' post='1784126' date='2008-01-26 20:27:02'][quote name='apetley' post='1783893' date='2008-01-26 15:23:04'][quote name='DamianMavis' post='1783811' date='2008-01-26 14:15:51']Why on earth does almost every single news story involving damage to propoerty or persons intentional or not have a sentence at the bottom saying : "So and so fled the scene", it's ridiculous.
Damian[/quote] Is the news article ridiculous in it's reporting or is the driver being ridiculous when he flees the scene? I am inclined to agree with Galong, more likely to be fearful of their lives from a passenger lynching when they realise the consequences of what was probably reckless driving. [/quote] Ever seen a Thai walk up to the front of the bus and tap the driver on the shoulder to then tell him to slow down? Never happens. Face kills and no one learns. Will happen again in a week or so. I was in a bus full with 60 schoolkids and teachers the first weeks I was here and asked a Thai teacher what was going on with the bus driver being so careless? "Don't worry, it's normal" Never again, even my wife doesn't get to drive. [/quote] I am very concerned about your safety in thailand! Do you need any help to leave? I hate to see people suffer. [/quote] If you're trying to be sarcastic, let me deflate your balloon over in Hong Kong by saying for the umpteenth time on here that I'm on my way out. You need not worry about my and my family's safety any longer. [/quote] So everything is going as normal in LOS. Thanks for the input Tony. #20
PadThaiGuy
Senior Member Posted 2008-01-27 07:12:11
Bus drivers in Thailand drive like idiots.
Suprised this doesn't happen every day. #21
peter991
Living in OZ, dreaming of LOS Posted 2008-01-27 07:46:27
Perhaps the driver fled to avoid having to take a drug or alcohol test after the accident. A number of road users (car, taxi, truck and bus drivers) in Thailand take stimulants to stay awake.
My condolences to the relatives of the dead and I wish a speedy recovery to those injured. Another reason why I take a 'private tour' rather than public transport where possible in Thailand. Peter #22
nothingleftbutfaith
Senior Member Posted 2008-01-27 07:52:25
Bus drivers in Thailand drive like idiots. Suprised this doesn't happen every day. Thai bus drivers are idiots. #23
PadThaiGuy
Senior Member Posted 2008-01-27 09:38:02
The passengers should not put up with this crap.
Thais are too tolerant sometimes and don't want to hurt others feelings... Back home, someone would yell, SLOW DOWN MORON, YOU'RE GONG TO KILL SOMBODY! #24
SwaziBird
Senior Member Posted 2008-01-27 11:07:31
In the past I thought the drivers fled the scene to avoid legal action, but it just might be to avoid getting a beating by the survivors... I know I would be rather pissed off if a crazy driver caused me bodily harm. I can run fairly fast, so he better get a good jump. Having spent protracted time in India, it was almost inevitable that reporting of very frequent bus crashes would conclude with the same statement. " the driver fled the scene". My uderstanding there was, that whether or not the driver was responsible for the accident, staying around would more than likely involve his being beating up or worse. Great shame and a great pity that we have these dreadful maimings and losses of life. My sympathies to the families. If blame is to be laid, it should come to rest, finally, at the feet of the authorities. Ultimately, they should ensure that all checks and balances are in place. #25
slapout
Platinum Member Posted 2008-01-27 14:42:08
As mentioned above, the Thai drivers may fear the bystanders beating them or worse. This is a frequent thing in India, as I personally watched a group tip a bus over and set it on fire, after it hit and killed a pedistrian. It would no doubt help to have drivers of all commercial vehicles trained and tested prior to letting them behind the wheel with passengers depending on them to get from point a to b, safely. In this part of the world where luck (good or bad) is blamed for ones fortune, dont hold your breath.
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