Bangkok: The government is preparing to enforce stricter laws following the train-bus collision. Minister Chatchart has requested that relatives of the victims contact the authorities, as some of the bodies were burned to the point of being unidentifiable.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport, visited the site of the serious accident involving a freight train colliding with a BMTA (Bangkok Mass Transit Authority) bus (Route 206) at Asoke Intersection. He stated that the accident resulted in 8 fatalities and 32 injuries. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed the Minister of Public Health to ensure all hospitals provide the best possible care for the injured. Currently, forensic police are collecting evidence before allowing the bus to be removed. Meanwhile, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) have cranes and tractor-trailers ready. It is expected that the road surface will be restored within two hours. Regarding the accident, he acknowledged it was a mistake on the part of the driver and that those responsible must be identified. Going forward, stricter law enforcement will be implemented to ensure public safety.
Mr. Anan Pothinimdaeng, Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), stated that they are currently working to restore the road surface as quickly as possible. The cause of the accident was due to a vehicle obstructing the railway tracks, preventing officials from lowering the crossing barrier. An investigation will be conducted into the train driver, and tomorrow the SRT will review the speed recording tapes, which will provide more clarity on the incident.
Mr. Kittikan Chomduang Charuwarapolkul, Director of the BMTA (Bangkok Mass Transit Authority), stated that the bus involved in the accident was a regular bus traveling continuously with the traffic until it reached the accident site near the railway tracks at Asoke intersection. According to reports, there were 8 fatalities and 32 injuries. Regarding responsibility, BMTA has insurance with Muang Thai Insurance Company and also has compulsory third-party liability insurance. The initial compensation for the deceased is 1.5 million baht, and for the injured, the first 80,000 baht will be provided, with an additional limit of up to 500,000 baht. BMTA will expedite compensation for all victims.
Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt visited the scene of the train-bus collision (Route 206) and urged relatives of passengers who were on bus route 206 and have not yet returned home or cannot be contacted to immediately provide information to officials at 063-918-7654. He noted that some of the deceased's bodies were burned to the point of being unidentifiable. Regarding safety measures, Governor Chatchart stated that integrated efforts from various sectors will be necessary going forward.