Van Crashes and Burns in Roi Et; Two Killed
A Bangkok-registered van carrying 14 Lao nationals crashed and burned on a Roi Et highway early Tuesday after the driver lost control while speeding and showing signs of exhaustion, killing two passengers.
A Bangkok-registered passenger van carrying 14 Lao nationals crashed and burned on the Kalasin-Mukdahan Road near Ban Khok Lam in Nong Yai subdistrict, Phon Thong district, Roi Et, around 05:20 on Tuesday, 18 August 2026. The group was travelling to Mukdahan to renew their permits before returning to Laos.
According to a survivor, the driver was speeding at around 140 kph despite being warned by passengers to slow down. The survivor also noticed the driver appeared exhausted, repeatedly nodding off while driving with one hand on the wheel. The van suddenly veered off the road, overturned and caught fire, destroying the vehicle completely.
Two passengers were killed and 12 injured. The wounded were transported to Kuchinarai Crown Prince Hospital and other nearby medical facilities. Phon Thong Police Station is investigating the exact cause of the crash and working to identify the deceased and verify details of the injured.
