(ANN/THE NATION) – Thirty-six tourists, including Thai and foreign nationals, sustained injuries when the tour bus they were on collided with a utility pole after the driver lost control in Phetchaburi province, splitting the pole in two.
The accident was reported at around 4am on Friday on Phet Kasem Road (inbound) in Khao Yoi district of the southern province.
According to a rescue official, three of the injured individuals sustained severe injuries and were taken to Khao Yoi and Phra Chomklao hospitals.
A local police officer said the bus, which was travelling from Ranong to Bangkok, was carrying 36 passengers: 15 Thais, 12 from Myanmar and nine Americans.
Rakchart Phukaew, 58, who was driving the vehicle, confessed to the police that he had fallen asleep for a few seconds, leading the bus to swerve into the utility pole, breaking it in two.
Investigators are still questioning the driver to determine the cause of the accident as of reporting time.
After receiving treatment for minor injuries, 33 passengers were taken to Khao Yoi police station. They were given a meal while waiting for a new bus from the tour company to take them to Bangkok, police said.
