Driver of Student Van Identified After Attempting to Run Past Railway Barrier; Police Question Him
Police identified a 55-year-old driver who attempted to cross a railway barrier in Lopburi while a train approached, but he refused to answer questions when contacted.
Police have identified the driver of a student van that attempted to cross a railway crossing while a train was approaching. The van, with Bangkok license plates, came from the Prachao Chai intersection in Muang District, Lopburi Province, and tried to pass through the descending barrier to cross toward Kosapan Lane, violating the safety signal. Deputy Provincial Police Commander Pol. Col. Banyang Santiprechawattana ordered officers from Thahin Police Station to urgently locate the vehicle and its driver for questioning.
Police tracked the van using CCTV footage and identified the driver as 55-year-old Mr. Sangwal (surname withheld). Officers contacted him by phone to report for questioning, but he declined and refused to answer questions.
Somchai (surname withheld), 56, a barrier operator at Prachao Chai checkpoint, recounted the incident. He immediately radioed the station master to have the departing train slow down and hold position before leaving the station. He then ran out to the van and ordered it to move away to clear the tracks before the train passed. Somchai noted that this crossing has previously witnessed deaths and injuries from barrier violations. He described the frustration and verbal abuse he regularly faces from drivers who are unhappy about the barriers being closed, though he stressed these closures are necessary for safety. The Lopburi station master has instructed that train delays are acceptable if they prevent harm to the public. This incident was exceptionally dangerous, and Somchai emphasized that those who ignore railway crossing rules risk serious injury or death.
