Van Carrying Monks Crashes on Way to Bangkok, 5 Injured

A van carrying monks and villagers departed from a temple in Roi Et province, heading to Bangkok to invite relatives to a merit-making robe offering ceremony. However, the journey was cut short when the vehicle crashed near Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima). At 3:00 PM on January 30, 2024, police were notified of a van accident on the Mittraphap Highway between kilometers 200-201, near Ta Chun Subdistrict in Khong District. The vehicle veered off the road and hit trees and a street lamp. The accident involved a total of 5 people: 2 monks from a temple in Janharn District, Roi Et Province, who were critically injured, and 3 villagers. The rescue team (Huk 31) provided first aid and transported the victims to Khong Hospital. The most seriously injured victims suffered brain bleeding and a broken collarbone with a bone piercing the lung. They were subsequently transferred to Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital for specialized treatment. The 39-year-old driver explained that they were traveling with 10 people, intending to go to Bangkok to invite relatives to a robe offering ceremony. The vehicle lost control and crashed into an electric pole. Police will continue their investigation and legal proceedings.