An accident occurred last night near Wat Samrong Phlun temple in Si Sa Ket’s Phrai Bueng district when a Toyota pickup truck, driven by an intoxicated driver, collided with a group of people gathered to watch a film outdoors. The tragic event resulted in the loss of eight lives and left six others injured, some severely.
The truck, registered in Udon Thani and driven by 37-year-old Kiatsak from Nong Khai’s Pho Tak district, had its driver under the influence after attending a Kathin religious ceremony. The collision caused significant damage, flipping the truck in the middle of the road, damaging nine parked motorcycles, and breaching the temple’s wall.
Upon police arrival, they encountered a chaotic scene with numerous casualties. Emergency services swiftly transported the injured to Phrai Bueng Hospital. Sadly, the deceased included Phatphon Wongnim, 14-year-old Suteera Pleumjai, Phadermphong Chankhana, Yuen Jantarawichit, Thongchai Chantiman, and three unidentified girls. The injured individuals, such as 48-year-old Jakgrit Thongin, 15-year-old Natchanikan Saeng-ngoen, 16-year-old Ketsara Prachan, 14-year-old Narong Dongchop, 14-year-old Rungtawan Sridapan, and 16-year-old Kittitat Chaichana, were transferred to Si Sa Ket Hospital for further treatment.
Kiatsak confessed to the police about his heavily intoxicated state and admitted to momentarily falling asleep while driving, causing the collision with the motorcycles and the gathered crowd. He is now facing charges of reckless driving resulting in injury and death, as well as drunk driving.
The following day, the hospital witnessed grieving relatives arriving to claim the bodies of their loved ones. The atmosphere was heavy with sorrow as the eight bodies were prepared for their journey home for religious ceremonies.
Raphithat, a 21-year-old who witnessed the scene, described the initial confusion upon hearing a loud noise, initially thinking it was a mechanical issue or a scuffle among teenagers. The reality of the pickup truck’s collision with the motorcycles and the devastating casualties was shocking upon closer inspection.
