Thai Police Charge Train Driver Following Deadly Bangkok Crash

By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock

BANGKOK, May 17 (Bernama) -- The Royal Thai Police have charged the driver of a train involved in Saturday’s fatal collision with a public bus near the Airport Rail Link’s Makkasan Station with causing death and serious injury through negligence.

In a statement, the Makkasan Metropolitan Police Station said investigators may consider filing additional charges after completing the collection of evidence and further witness interviews.

“Police have initially charged the train driver with causing death and serious injury through negligence,” the statement said in the latest update on the investigation issued on Sunday.

It added that the train driver, who was injured in the crash, remains under investigation while receiving medical treatment.

The accident occurred at about 3.40 pm near a railway crossing close to Makkasan Station in Bangkok, when the freight train hit the passenger bus, which had stopped on the tracks, killing eight people.

The collision, which caused the bus to catch fire, also injured at least 32 people and damaged several other vehicles.

Police said no charges have been filed so far against the railway barrier control officer, who has already been questioned by investigators.

“After giving a statement, the officer was allowed to return home but will be summoned again for further questioning as police continue to gather testimonies and review surrounding evidence before deciding whether additional individuals should face charges,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, police said the bus driver remains hospitalised after suffering burns to the lower body.

Investigators are waiting for the driver’s condition to improve before conducting further questioning, while no charges have been considered at this stage.

Police stressed that apart from the legal proceedings, priority is being given to assisting those killed and injured in the accident.

-- BERNAMA