CHARGES are being filed against the train and bus drivers plus railway crossing attendant in the deadly train-bus collision at Rama 9 – Asoke-Phetchaburi intersection last Saturday (May 16) that killed eight people and injured around 25 others while the train driver has tested positive for drugs with methamphetamine and marijuana found in his system, Amarin TV and PPTVHD36 said today (May 16).
Pol. Col. Uramphon Khundechsamrit, Makkasan police station chief, said the three of them have been charged with causing death, serious injury, and bodily harm while confirming that meth and marijuana were found in the train driver’s urine.
Currently, the investigation team is gathering and studying relevant laws and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) regulations to determine if drug use is a factor in the fatal accident and if not, separate charges will be filed.
Regarding the Land Traffic Act, which does not cover trains, it remains to be seen whether charges of driving under the influence of drugs can be applied. The investigating team needs to examine relevant SRT regulations to determine what rules and prohibitions apply.
Initially, methamphetamine is the primary substance in the case. Regarding the issue of marijuana use, whether it constitutes an offence as it is legal, this will be considered by the investigation team, who have formed a joint working group to review various offences. Other factors may also be considered and if a clear offence is found, charges will be filed.
As whether charges will also be filed against other vehicles parked across the railway track, Pol. Col. Uramphon said this is another issue being discussed by the investigation team. They have to identify all the vehicles and the drivers, and invite them to give information as eyewitnesses to determine if driving across the railway track was intentional and if they had violated the Land Traffic Act.
Currently, no charges have been filed against anyone, but if any of them are found to have ignored traffic signs, legal action will be taken.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page – Scenes from the deadly train-bus collision. Photos – PPTVHD36
Insert – Pol. Col. Uramphon Khundechsamrit and his colleague talking to the press. Photo – PPTVHD36
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