SING BURI - Three people, including a local leader, were killed and 43 others hurt when a double-decker tour bus carrying local officials on a study trip plunged into a roadside ditch and overturned in Phrom Buri district in the early hours of Tuesday.
The accident happened in tambon Bang Nam Chiew of this central province, Thai media said. The crash was reported to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department around 3.40am.
The bus was carrying local officials from Mae Tam tambon administration organisation in Phaya Mengrai district of Chiang Rai to Trat’s Koh Chang district on a study trip.
Three people died at the scene of the crash - Sriwan Fusaeng, 64, chairman of Mae Tam TAO, TAO member Insaeng Somnam, 44, and the driver, Thanakit Nuanla-ong, 38.
Forty-three injured passengers were rushed to nearby hospitals. Six sustained only minor injuries.
Ittipol Champa, 50, a TAO member who was slightly hurt, told police they were heading to Koh Chang district to study garbage management. All the passengers were sleeping or dozing when the bus plunged into the roadside ditch, hit a big tree and overturned.
He was jolted awake as the bus swayed before landing in the ditch.
Police believed the driver fell asleep at the wheel.