Pathum thani: A brand-new school van carrying students to school swerved to avoid a trailer truck and crashed into a utility pole, resulting in injuries to 14 students. The incident occurred early in the morning, with students reporting that the driver appeared to be drowsy and possibly asleep at the wheel.
According to Thai News Agency, the accident took place in front of the Demonstration School of Rangsit University in Lak Hok Subdistrict, Mueang Pathum Thani District. The van, which had temporary license plates and was found on the sidewalk, suffered severe damage to its front end after crashing into the power pole, which broke on impact. The rear of the van was stuck against a metal fence. Police from Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station received a report of the collision at around 7:30 AM and found rescue workers already assisting the injured students for transport to the hospital.
Initial investigations identified the driver as Mr. Chokwiwat, 25 years old. At the time of the accident, the van was carrying 17 students, 14 of whom sustained injuries and were hospitalized. The students, football players from Wat Nawong School, were being picked up from a dormitory in the Khlong Song area when the van driver swerved to avoid a parked trailer truck, leading to the crash. The sudden maneuver caused the van to lose control, mount the sidewalk, and collide with the lamppost.
An eyewitness account from a high school student in the van revealed that the driver appeared drowsy before the accident. The student, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, noticed the driver's condition while using her phone. The driver was reportedly startled by the parked trailer truck, resulting in the accident.
Police are planning to question the van driver again, focusing on the possibility of him falling asleep at the wheel. The authorities noted violations concerning the transport of 17 students, exceeding the van's 12-seat capacity, and the use of a temporary red license plate, which raises concerns about its authenticity. Additional charges may be filed pending further investigation.