Police Chief Points to Bus Negligence, Clear CCTV Footage Shows Vehicle Straddling Railway Tracks, Urgent Questioning of Crossing Guard Underway
A bus caught fire after colliding with a train near Bangkok's Makkasan Station on May 16, with police citing driver negligence and CCTV showing the vehicle straddling the railway tracks.
Police Chief Points to Bus Negligence, Clear CCTV Footage Shows Vehicle Straddling Railway Tracks, Urgent Questioning of Crossing Guard Underway. Investigation coordinating with traffic police to determine if route was properly cleared. Awaiting three key findings: distance, speed, and time.
At 8:30 p.m. on May 16, 2569, State Railway of Thailand officials moved the locomotive from the incident site near Asok-Dindaeng Road near Airport Rail Link Makkasan Station to the Makkasan repair facility, along with container bogies. Bangkok simultaneously provided large cranes to remove the damaged Route 206 bus from the railway tracks. Work proceeds cautiously due to severe fire damage to the bus. Officials emphasize all work prioritizes safety with efforts to restore traffic flow by midnight.
At 9:00 p.m., Police Commissioner General Kittisart Panpetch arrived at the scene of the train-bus collision that resulted in fire. He ordered Bangkok Police commanders and Makkasan Station to manage traffic flow for public convenience. He coordinated with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and relevant agencies to remove the bus from the train track, noting the bus has been moved with only some concrete panels remaining.
The Police Chief stated traffic updates are ongoing. He ordered investigators to prosecute the train driver and bus driver on negligence charges causing death, while expediting evidence collection including CCTV footage. The investigation is progressing significantly.
When asked about the train driver still being alive while reports indicated the bus driver died, and whether the crossing guard is in custody, Commissioner Kittisart said the bus driver is alive and the train driver is injured. He emphasized the incident caused severe damage necessitating legal action and custody of those involved.
Regarding the Land Traffic Act provision prohibiting vehicles within 5 meters of railway tracks and train speed issues, the Police Chief said he ordered comprehensive review of related regulations and laws. He expressed condolences to the deceased's family, calling this incident an important lesson, especially for public transport drivers responsible for others' lives and property.
CCTV footage clearly shows the bus parked over railway tracks. Whether a train is coming or crossing gates are lowered, drivers should maintain legal distances from tracks, the Police Chief stated, noting this incident reflects the need for stricter traffic discipline enforcement.
When pressed whether the bus parking over tracks constitutes a legal violation, the Police Chief said it's not merely a matter of disrespect but placing a vehicle on railway tracks is inherently wrong as foreseeable harm can be anticipated.
Regarding coordination between crossing guard staff and traffic police in clearing the route, the Police Chief ordered investigation into whether proper procedures were followed.
