Election Travel Turns Dangerous: Van Driver Falls Asleep, Crashes into Electrical Pole Injuring 7 Passengers

A van carrying passengers from Ko Samui who were returning to vote in the parliamentary election experienced a terrifying accident when the driver fell asleep and crashed into an electrical pole. The incident occurred on the Mittraphap Road near kilometer markers 39-40 heading into Nakhon Ratchasima province. The bronze Toyota van, registered in Udon Thani, veered off the road and collided with a large highway department road sign, causing significant front-end damage. Rescue workers had to use cutting equipment to help extract the driver and passengers. The group consisted of 3 men and 4 women, all of whom were taken to Pakchong Nana Hospital. The 54-year-old driver, named Sa-ard, admitted to feeling exhausted and experiencing drowsiness during the long drive. All 7 passengers sustained minor injuries.