Nine students and two teachers were injured in a school van accident in Surat Thani. The incident occurred when the van overturned in Kanchanadit district while returning from a camping activity. The van had Bangkok license plates and was traveling on Highway 44 on the Krabi-Surat Thani route. The accident took place in tambon Thung Rang and was reported to the Khunthale police station in Muang district around 2:10 pm.
Upon arriving at the scene, police and rescue workers found the van overturned in a ditch by the road. Eleven passengers, including teachers and students, were trapped in the wreckage. Nine students with minor injuries were rescued and taken to Surat Thani Hospital. The rescue team had to use a cutting tool to extricate the two injured teachers, one of whom was driving the van, from the front seats. They were also transported to the hospital for treatment.
The van was carrying Grade 7 students from Thidamaepra School in Krabi province for a camping trip to Nakhon Si Thammarat. Other students were traveling on a bus that was following the van. Police reported that the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and into the ditch. An investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.
Road accidents involving school vans can have serious consequences, especially when students and teachers are injured. It is crucial for drivers to adhere to safety regulations and road conditions to prevent such incidents. Authorities should also ensure that vehicles used to transport students are properly maintained and equipped with necessary safety features.
Parents and schools must prioritize the safety of students during transportation to and from school activities. Regular safety checks on vehicles, proper driver training, and adherence to traffic rules are essential in preventing accidents. In case of emergencies, quick response and effective rescue operations can minimize injuries and save lives.
The well-being of students and teachers should always be a top priority, and efforts to improve road safety measures must be continuous. By raising awareness, enforcing regulations, and promoting safe driving practices, we can work towards reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring the safety of all passengers on the road.
