Bus crashes in western Thailand, killing 17 people and injuring more than 30 others

A bus lost control and crashed into a tree in Thailand, killing 17 passengers and injuring more than 30, the state-owned Transport Company said in a statement on Tuesday.The accident occurred in Prachuap Khiri Khan province as the bus was traveling from the capital, Bangkok, to Songkhla province in the deep south. It was carrying 49 people when it ran off the road and hit a tree near Hat Wanakorn National Park, a local police official said. Prachuap Khiri Khan province is located on a coastal stretch between the Gulf of Thailand and Myanmar.

“We presume the driver might have fallen asleep,” said Pol. Col. Weerapat Ketesa, the superintendent of the Huay Yang Police Station, adding that officials were waiting for the result of a blood test on the driver, who survived the accident.The accident occurred in country’s western province of Prachuap Khiri Khan at half past midnight.

The bus’s front was split in half after the crash, according to state broadcaster ThaiPBS.

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Rescuers were seen pulling passengers out from the wreckage.

“All those injured are being treated at hospital,” the statement said, adding that an investigation on the causes of the accident was being carried out.