A tour bus carrying 11 people overturned and crashed on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014, leaving all on board suffering from injuries. At least five of the injuries are considered to be severe, according to reports. All who were on board at the time of the crash were taken to hospitals in nearby Phuket, where they are being treated for injuries ranging from bone fractures to contusions. There is no word on the current condition of any of the injured parties.
The bus was transporting Chinese tourists, a Chinese tour guide, a Thai tour guide and the driver of the bus in the Phang Nga province when the incident took place. The driver stated that the weather conditions were rainy, leaving the wet roads difficult to navigate. The driver reported losing control of the bus while taking a turn, which led to the bus overturning and landing on its side.
The five most seriously injured parties were transported to Vachira Phuket Hospital, while those less gravely injured were taken to Phang Nga Hospital. Those with only minor injuries were treated on site by first responders and released. The individuals who sustained the least severe injuries are reported to be assisting local police with investigating the accident by providing their testimony about what took place just prior to the crash.
The bus was en route to a day at a local spa when the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed. The bus in question was equipped to seat up to 24 passengers, so overcrowding is not currently thought to be a factor in the crash. There has been no word about whether the driver of the bus was tested for drugs or alcohol following the crash. An investigation will be conducted by police with the assistance of the newly opened Chinese consul-general office, which exists to provide support in the endeavor of increasing tourism safety in Phuket and the rest of Thailand.