At least 18 killed after double-decker coach smashes into lorry
At least 18 people were killed on Wednesday night when the driver of their double-decker coach lost control, drove across a road island and collided with an oncoming 18-wheeled lorry before slamming into roadside stalls in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Wang Nam Khieo district.
Police and rescue workers went to the scene at the 242 kilometre marker of Nakhon Ratchasima-Kabin Buri Highway Number 304.
They found the wrecked coach and truck on the roadside as well as damaged stalls.
An initial investigation showed the coach had 50 passengers onboard. Rescue workers retrieved 19 bodies from the wrecked bus and took 31 injured persons to hospital.
Witnesses said the driver of the coach survived the accident and fled the scene.
The bus was chartered by a group of Kalasin residents visiting beaches in Chanthaburi province. It was on the way back to the northeastern province when it reached a downhill curve and the driver lost control.
Reportedly the tour bus rental agency has premium insurance.
