BANGKOK: At least nine people were killed and dozens sustained injuries when a drunk driver rammed into parked motorcycles during an incident at the Krathin Festival in Phrai Bueng, Si Sa Ket province, northeastern Thailand on Saturday.
The incident occurred at 10.15 pm (local time), causing extensive damage to more than 15 motorcycles.
Phrai Bueng Police Station's investigator, Pol. Captain Noppadon Inthong, said that the 37-year-old driver, lost control of his vehicle, crashing into a group of motorcycles near a temple where an outdoor movie was taking place.
The driver, found to be under the influence of alcohol, was apprehended at the scene, and a subsequent blood-alcohol test revealed a staggering level of 0.24 per cent, significantly surpassing the legal limit.
“The pickup truck rammed into the parked motorcycles and bystanders. Seven people died at the scene while another two who suffered serious injuries passed away at the hospital. More than 10 people suffered injuries and they are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals,” he said.
Local media sources indicated that the driver suffered minor injuries during the incident. To prevent potential harm from angry villagers and witnesses at the scene, he was promptly taken to the hospital.
Eyewitnesses informed the police that the driver, suspected of being intoxicated and possibly fatigued, lost control of his vehicle, leading to the collision with the parked motorcycles.
