KAMPHAENG PHET - Twelve people were injured when a Bangkok-bound interprovincial passenger bus veered off the road and into a ditch in Muang district late on Monday night.

The double-decker bus came to a halt overturned in the centre ditch on Phahon Yothin Road at kilometre makers 430/600 in tambon Thammarong, said Pol Lt Col Paisarn Wannachai, a duty officer at Muang police station. The accident was reported to police around 11.30pm on Monday.

Twelve passengers were given first aid at the scene before rescue workers sent them to Kamphaeng Phet Hospital. Other passengers had only minor injuries.

Bus driver Amnart Waipattha, 50, told police the bus was carrying 53 passengers and had left Phrae on Monday night for Bangkok. The accident occurred when a truck suddenly shifted into the right lane in front of him. He tried to avert a crash but lost control of the bus, which plunged into the ditch.

A 60-year-old passenger said he and most other passengers were sleeping at the time. He was jolted awake when the bus suddenly veered and leaned over. As passengers started shouting out in alarm, the bus seemed to hit something  and then fell into the ditch.

Police were investigating. Another bus was sent to take the passengers on to Bangkok.