The accident occurred at approximately 2am on Phetkasem Rd, Trang–Krabi section, opposite Samakkee Suksa School in Na Wong subdistrict. The bus was found lying on its right side in a roadside ditch with severe damage to the front end.
Initial reports confirmed that more than 10 passengers sustained serious injuries and over 30 suffered minor injuries, with most transported to Huai Yot Hospital and Wang Wiset Hospital for treatment, according to Huai Yot Police.
The bus, operated by Thiangtham Poonphol Co Ltd, vehicle number 775-6, licence plate 10-1147 Yala, had departed Phuket Bus Terminal at about 10pm on Feb 14 and was scheduled to arrive in Betong district, Yala province, at 11:30am today.
There were 49 passengers, one driver and two bus employees on board, totalling 52 people.
The driver, Sirichai Tangsaengki, 52, sustained the most critical injuries, including the loss of his left leg and a head injury. However, police said he remained conscious and able to speak.
Mr Sirichai told police that a motorbike suddenly cut in front of the bus, forcing him to swerve and lose control.
However, a passenger who witnessed the incident disputed that claim, stating that no motorbike cut in front of the bus and suggesting the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. Other passengers also speculated that the driver may have dozed off before the crash.
Further investigation found that the bus sideswiped a parked truck on the roadside, damaging its front bumper and windshield, before sliding approximately 80 metres off the road and overturning.
A bus employee suffered a fractured left ankle with exposed bone. The employee told officers he was asleep at the time of the accident.
Huai Yot Police, along with rescue teams and ambulances from hospitals in Huai Yot, Ratsada, Wang Wiset and Muang districts – more than 20 emergency vehicles in total – responded to the scene.
Rescue workers broke the rear windows to evacuate trapped passengers before providing first aid and transferring the injured to hospitals.
Police said further questioning of the driver, bus staff and passengers will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the crash.
The bus company has arranged a replacement bus to carry the remaining passengers to their destination.
However, police did not specify who would be responsible for hospital expenses or compensation for damaged passenger belongings, stating only that the investigation remains ongoing.