THREE suspects being taken to Rayong’s central prison got injured, one badly, this afternoon (May 12) when the police vehicle they were travelling in slammed into a ten-wheel truck at an intersection sparking a big blaze that spread quickly, Amarin TV said.
A police team from Ban Khai district’s station rushed to the scene of the accident at around 2.30 p.m. together fire engines, volunteers and a duty doctor from Ban Khai Hospital
When they got there they saw that a big fire was raging over the white Hino truck and bronze-colour Isuzu police pickup truck. It took firemen 30 minutes to extinguish the blaze.
The three suspects injured by the force of the crash, Mr. Ongart Meechai with a serious head injury, and Mr. Wichaya Puttaraksa and Mr. Kochatorn Chanduaywit slightly so, were quickly taken to the hospital for treatment.
Investigation revealed that Pol Lt Sumit Saraphat, a deputy inspector at Phe police station, was driving the vehicle to take the three suspects to Rayong’s central prison. He said when they reached the intersection half the big truck had already crossed it, and as he was coming fast down the slope, he failed to brake in time leading to the violent crash that sparked a fire in the police vehicle’s engine.
He added that he quickly got out and then helped the three suspects leave the burning vehicle because the fire was spreading quickly to the truck. He was fearful that the fire might spread to the truck’s six NGV fuel tanks which fortunately were on the other side and the fire was extinguished in time.
The truck driver, Mr. Iam Ong-ah, 63, said he was driving back from a factory to Chok Jesada Transport Company with half his large vehicle having crossed to the other side when the police vehicle turned and tried to cut cross then slammed into his vehicle. This led to tires exploding and a fire breaking out. He added that it was fortunate the NGV tanks were on the other side.
Police are initially ensuring that the suspects get full medical treatment after which they will be taken to the prison. An investigation will be undertaken for further legal action.
CAPTION:
The two vehicles ablaze on a Rayong road. Thai headline says, “a loud crash in the middle of the intersection.” Photos: Amarin TV
