A tragic incident occurred on December 26th at a pedestrian crossing, where a 13-year-old boy was struck by a speeding pickup truck while crossing the road on his way home from school. The driver, a 29-year-old Corporal named Satya Mompanao, was from Military Base Camp 22, Ubon Ratchathani. The impact was severe, instantly claiming the boy’s life, leaving him motionless on the road. Despite efforts by the following car to stop, the boy succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Witnesses in the area, like Thanyapat Khamdaeng, mentioned that this spot, although marked as a pedestrian crossing, is on a straight stretch where vehicles often speed by. The tragic incident unfolded in this community zone, known for its fast-moving traffic.
The young victim had a routine of taking the bus and then crossing this particular zebra crossing daily to reach his home. Local residents have appealed for caution among drivers, emphasizing that this crossing serves as the entrance to the village and is regularly used by pedestrians.
The boy’s body remains at the Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital’s forensic department in Ubon Ratchathani, where authorities are processing charges against Corporal Satya for reckless driving resulting in the boy’s death. The community mourns the loss and prepares for the boy’s final rites.
