Loei: The families of four children who tragically died when a pickup truck veered into their motorcycle are mourning their loss and demanding the harshest punishment for the driver involved. The accident occurred as the children were returning home after Songkran celebrations. Police investigations have revealed that the driver was heavily intoxicated at the time of the accident.

According to Thai News Agency, the tragic event unfolded on the Loei-Chiang Khan road near Ban Nabon in Na Sao Subdistrict, Loei Province. A Toyota pickup truck crossed into the opposite lane, colliding with a motorcycle carrying four students from Mahathai Suksa Thabom School. The 16-year-old motorcycle driver and three boys aged 14, 13, and 14, were on their way back from celebrating Songkran in Chiang Khan town when the accident occurred. The impact crushed the motorcycle, trapping it under the truck's hood and causing it to ignite. Three children died instantly, while the fourth succumbed to injuries at the hospital. Grieving families have retrieved their bodies for a Christian funeral service in Khao Kaeo Subdistrict, amidst an atmosphere filled with shock and sorrow.

In the latest update, police investigators from Chiang Khan Police Station discovered a drug-smoking pipe in the wreckage of the Toyota Vigo pickup truck driven by Mr. Wutthichai, 28. Eyewitness footage captured him exiting the vehicle shirtless and disoriented, claiming ignorance about the incident. Prior to the crash, Mr. Wutthichai had been drinking with friends before being asked to drive his friend's wife to pick her up at Kaeng Khut Khu.

Mr. Wutthichai is currently hospitalized with a head injury, accompanied by his mother and aunt. He remains unable to provide a coherent statement, and authorities are waiting for detailed blood test results to confirm alcohol and drug use. No charges have been filed yet. The families of the deceased children plan to hold a burial service at the Christian cemetery in the village on Saturday, April 18th.