KANCHANABURI : Forty Russian tourists were injured, four seriously, when a tour bus hit an earthen roadside barrier and overturned in Sai Yok district yesterday.

Three Thais - the bus driver and his wife and a local guide - were also injured in the accident, which occurred about 2.30pm, said Pol Lt Col Suparerk Chaiphumsakul, of Sai Yok police station.

The Russians were customers of Best Asia Tour Co, which organised a trip from Pattaya in Chon Buri province to the World War II memorial site in Sai Yok district. The injured were taken to Sai Yok hospital, and the Russians who sustained serious injuries later transferred to Phaholpolphayuhasaena Hospital in Muang district.

Boonsong Kosakoon, 39, the driver, said the road was slippery, with many sharp curves. He lost control of the bus, which hit a crash barrier and overturned.