Lampang: The Attorney General has highlighted that the case concerning the 18-wheeler truck crash involving seven vehicles, which resulted in two fatalities, carries a significant legal penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment. The truck driver involved in the accident claimed a brake failure caused the crash, leading to the tragic loss of life. The Attorney General emphasized that the truck driver's employer could also face joint civil liability. The Attorney General's Office has expressed readiness to assist in the legal proceedings related to this case.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident occurred on April 11th, marking the onset of the Songkran festival. The crash took place on Phahonyothin Road on the Tak-Lampang route, near the entrance to Mae Wa National Park in Thoen District, Lampang Province. The 18-wheeler truck collided with seven vehicles, resulting in the deaths of a man and a woman who were trapped in a crushed car. Additionally, ten individuals sustained injuries, including a critically injured 5-year-old girl who lost her parents in the crash. She was transported to Thoen Hospital for treatment.
Mr. Kosolwat Intuchanjong, Director-General of the Public Prosecutor's Office for the Protection of Rights and Legal Assistance to the People (PPLA), remarked on the severe impact of the accident, noting the burden now placed on the mother of the deceased couple to care for her grandchildren. He acknowledged the profound effect of the incident and emphasized the importance of the investigation into the charges of negligent driving causing death and property damage under Section 291 of the Criminal Code. This charge carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to 200,000 baht.
Despite the driver's claim of brake failure, the prosecution is deemed necessary as vehicle condition checks are a driver's responsibility, particularly for large trucks. In addition to potential criminal charges, the driver is likely to face civil charges for tortious conduct resulting in death and property damage.
In civil proceedings, if the truck belongs to an employer, the law stipulates joint liability between the employer and the employee, provided the employee was performing duties aligned with their employment at the time of the accident. The court will assess the damages based on case-specific facts, with the claimant required to present evidence to support the damage claims.
The Public Prosecutor's Office, committed to protecting rights and providing legal assistance, stands ready to support the deceased's mother. She is encouraged to contact the local provincial public prosecutor's office for assistance. Typically, the provincial prosecutor addresses criminal cases, but provisions exist to file civil claims within the criminal case, allowing for concurrent consideration. The prosecutor's office offers free assistance in preparing such petitions.