Death toll reaches 282 for Songkran’s first 6 dangerous days

Published : April 18, 2012 :: 11:04:47 [ 2,197 views ]

Death toll reaches 282 for Songkran’s first 6 dangerous days

BANGKOK, April 17 - A cumulative toll of 282 dead, 2,876 road accidents and 3,059 injured has been reported for Songkran’s first 6 dangerous days, according to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department.

The death toll from road accidents is 23 per cent higher than in 2011, while the ratio of deaths per accident is also higher than last year at 9.80 per cent. The main reason for accidents was drunken driving.

Disaster agency deputy director-general Chatpong Chatrabhuti said Monday (April 16) saw 291 road accidents (the highest in Nakhon Sawan with 13), 29 deaths (two dead each in Chiang Rai, Tak, Ratchaburi, Saraburi and Udon Thani) and 308 injured (the most in Suphan Buri with 16).

Mr Chatpong suggested prohibiting selling alcoholic beverages during Songkran festive season in order to prevent more accidents.

In a related matter, Nakhon Ratchasima disaster response chief Wallop Theppakdee said road accidents damage in Thailand’s lower northeast–Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Buri Ram, and Surin–has been estimated at more than Bt49 million during the six dangerous days. Surin experienced the highest number of road accidents at 67, while Buri Ram has tallied the highest number of dead from road accidents, at 5.

Meanwhile, Bangkok’s Mo Chit bus terminal continues to be crowded by people returning to the Thai capital from upcountry. Transport Company president Wuttichart Kalayanamitr said he expected about 200,000 persons to use buses on Tuesday. Passengers can rest assured regarding their travel as his company has prepared sufficient buses for passengers.

Report by : MCOT