Missing Passenger in Train-Bus Collision Heard Screaming Before Line Cut Off, Family Rushes for DNA Test
A 66-year-old woman missing from a train-bus collision in Thailand may be among the victims; her family provided DNA samples after her friend heard her screaming before their call cut off, matching CCTV footage timing and her appearance on
Starting from early morning on May 17, 2025, relatives of missing passengers who have not appeared on the injured list came to the Forensic Institute at Police Hospital to provide DNA samples for identification. Most reported that their missing relatives were aboard the bus at the time of the accident.
One family coming for DNA testing belongs to Ms. Sirilak (surname withheld), the granddaughter of 66-year-old Aunt Eiang, who is missing. She said that on the night of May 16, she followed the news but didn't initially think much of it, believing her aunt wouldn't have been traveling to that location. However, early the next morning, her sister contacted her again, noting that a person sitting near the middle door inside the bus in CCTV footage resembled their aunt—from her startled expression to her facial features. They then requested CCTV footage from the area near the soi entrance in Sumutprakan district and found that the color of the shirt matched the CCTV images. The family immediately came for DNA testing.
"The most painful thing is that Aunt's friend who was on a phone call with her heard her screaming before the mobile signal cut off, and we haven't been able to contact her since—which coincides with the time her Facebook was last active. From the CCTV footage, we can see she was startled, but couldn't go anywhere because the accident happened so quickly," the granddaughter said.
The family is now deeply worried, as it feels like a tremendous loss. Aunt has been the pillar of the household, having raised them from childhood. They are uncertain whether Aunt regularly took bus line 206, though her daughter mentioned she would take the bus to visit her doctor or enjoyed taking buses to massage shops far from home and traveling.
"Right now we can only pray it's not her, but we have to acknowledge our worry because all the details and timing match perfectly," she admitted. The family is extremely stressed, with Aunt's three children unable to accept the situation. She has had to try to keep everyone composed.
She hasn't seen all angles of the CCTV footage—only the angle where Aunt was sitting—so she doesn't know where the negligence occurred. The family wonders if it was the bus driver's negligence, but they must await the police investigation results.
Regarding the DNA collection, forensic officials stated it should take no more than three days to confirm identity. The remains will then be returned to families for religious ceremonies. The Gratitude Foundation will transport all remains to their respective destinations for families at no cost.
