Brake failure blamed for fatal bus crash on highway 304 in Wang Nam Khiao

As death toll from the bus crash on Highway 304 in Wang Nam Khiao district of Nakhon Ratchasima last night climbed to 18, deputy prime minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan said brake failure was the cause of the fatal accident.

Gen Prawit said the accident of this double deck bus was caused by brake failure.

He said double deck buses have been used for public transport for a long time and the transport officials have the safety standards to govern the operation of these buses.

He said it was unnecessary to have more safety measures to prevent fatal bus accidents during the Songkran festival as the existing strict measures, and laws remained in force, particularly drink driving, drowsy driving, and speeding.

Meanwhile Wang Nam Khiao hospital director Dr Jiranid Pungsamrong said latest update of the death toll at 8.00am today stood at 18 deaths and 32 injuries.

She said 16 passengers died at the scene, one at Wang Nam Khiao hospital, and another at Saint Mary hospital.

She said 32 injured are now receiving treatment at Wang Nam Khiao, Maharat, Krungthep, Pak Thongchai hospitals.