Dozens injured as Phuket–Betong bus overturns in Huai Yot

2026-02-15 - 03:06

TRANG — 15 February 2026, A double-decker Phuket–Betong bus overturned in Huai Yot district in the early hours of Saturday, leaving dozens injured and the driver with a severed leg. The crash occurred at approximately 02:00 on Phetkasem Road opposite Samakkhi Sueksa School in Na Wong subdistrict. Police from Huai Yot Police Station, along with rescue teams and emergency responders from multiple districts, rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a passenger bus losing control and overturning at the roadside. The first-class air-conditioned bus, operating on the Phuket–Betong route, was found lying on its right side in a roadside ditch. The front of the vehicle was heavily damaged. Authorities broke the rear glass to evacuate trapped passengers. There were 52 people on board — 49 passengers, one driver and two attendants. A total of 30 people were reported injured, including more than 10 seriously. The injured were transported to Huai Yot Hospital and Wang Wiset Hospital. The driver, identified as 52-year-old Sirichai Tang-sengki, suffered the most severe injuries, including the loss of his left leg and a head wound. He remained conscious and able to respond while being transported to hospital. One passenger sustained a severe ankle fracture with bone exposure, while many others suffered cuts from broken glass and other injuries. Officials said the bus departed Phuket at 22:00 on 14 February and was scheduled to arrive in Betong district, Yala province, at 11:30 on 15 February. Initial reports indicate the bus lost control, slid approximately 80 m along the roadside and struck a parked truck before overturning. The driver told rescuers that a motorcycle cut closely in front of the bus, forcing him to swerve. However, a patrol officer who was nearby at the time disputed that claim, saying no motorcycle was seen and suggesting the driver may have fallen asleep. Some passengers also speculated that the driver may have dozed off, though others said he had not been speeding prior to the crash. The bus company dispatched a replacement vehicle to transport remaining passengers to their destination. Police said further questioning of the driver, staff and passengers will be conducted once the driver’s condition stabilises to determine the exact cause of the accident.