Driver in fatal van crash gets bail
THE driver of a public transport van, involved in a crash on Monday that killed four passengers and injured 10 others, was released on bail after placing a Bt200,000 bond, a police source revealed yesterday.
The Bangkok-Ao Udom van crashed into a roadside concrete fence on the Buraphavithi Expressway in Bangkok’s Phra Khanong district on Monday night. One male – Natthapol Piasonthia, 50 – and three female passengers – Pattama Butipankha, 24, Suwapat Arunwong na Ayuthaya, 31, and an unnamed woman – were killed.
Van driver Lekpetch Prasert, 48, who was slightly injured, waited for police at the scene. He reportedly admitted to not knowing the route, as he normally used the motorway – and was driving fast – at about 120km an hour. Lekphetch was charged with reckless driving causing deaths, injuries and property damage.
Police are now waiting for testimony by 10 injured victims, and to review CCTV footage and forensic test results.
