Two cyclists sadly lost their lives, and others were injured when a speeding pickup truck collided with a group of cyclists in a hit-and-run incident that occurred during the early morning hours, shattering the victims’ families and the cycling community, who are now demanding justice.
At 5 a.m. today, local police in Buriram province received a report about a hit-and-run accident involving a group of cyclists. Upon arriving at the accident scene on Route 24, between Isan Khet and Chaloem Phra Kiat, they encountered a grim scene. Pieces of mountain bikes were strewn across the road, and two fatalities were confirmed.
The deceased individuals were identified as 68-year-old Narongchai Yonanan, a retired government employee from the Department of Livestock Development, and 64-year-old Pichanan On Prommarat, both residents of Buriram province.
The collision’s severity resulted in immediate fatalities, with visible injuries on their bodies. A fragment of a bumper from an Isuzu pickup truck was also discovered at the scene, indicating the involvement of the vehicle in the hit-and-run.
Surviving cyclist Sommai Sroysohwang explained that they were members of a local cycling club with over 180 participants. The group regularly organized fitness rides, and on busy days, about 30 cyclists would join. On the day of the incident, six of them had set out from Nang Rong district with the intention of cycling 30 kilometers to Prakhon Chai district. Tragically, disaster struck midway through their journey.
Sommai, who was the fourth cyclist in line, heard a loud crash and witnessed the ensuing chaos. The pickup truck struck the last two cyclists before swerving and speeding away. The two victims were quickly discovered, while the remaining four cyclists suffered minor injuries.
Praphimphan Yonanan, the 64-year-old wife of Narongchai, expressed her shock and grief. She mentioned that they were simply out for their routine exercise ride and raised concerns about whether the driver was intoxicated or simply acting recklessly. Praphimphan strongly emphasized the need for justice and called on the driver who fled the scene to step forward and accept responsibility for the tragic deaths of two individuals.
