BURI RAM — More than 20 Thai and foreign passengers were injured when their tour bus plunged into a roadside ditch and overturned in this northeastern province on Saturday morning.
The air-conditioned bus was carrying about 40 passengers from Pattaya to Mukdahan when it plunged into the ditch where some construction was taking place, between kilometre makers 14 and 15 in tambon Sakaeprong in Muang district. The accident was reported around 6.30am on Saturday, said Pol Capt Thakorn Sereevorayot, a duty officer at the Nong Song Hong police station.
The bus then overturned, resulting in injuries to more than 20 passengers, including Thais and foreigners. Rescue workers took the injured to a nearby hospital. Other passengers sustained minor bruises.
Passenger Rungrot Wachadee, 29, said the bus had left Pattaya at 9.30pm on Friday for Mukdahan. Most of the passengers were returning home for Songkran celebrations and some were heading back for the annual military conscription lot drawing, he said. The accident occurred when the driver of the bus appeared to lose control, he added.
The bus belonged to Rungruang Tour Co. Driver Anont Totaen was being held in police custody pending a urine test to for drugs and alcohol. The investigation into the cause is continuing.