Bus Crash Kills 7 Chiangrai United Fans

Seven people died and 46 were injured when the double-decker bus they were traveling, transportation of Chiang Rai FC fans Buri Ram, Lam overturned yesterday in Lop Buri, Sonthi district.

Following the accident was reported at 8 am yesterday, police and rescue workers rushed to score from 33 to 34 km-Dan Tha Luang Khunthod way to find the mangled bus lying in a ditch.

Injured passengers were discharged from the wrecked bus and sent to nearby hospitals. At press time, 14 people seriously wounded remained hospitalized, while others were slightly injured were allowed to go home. Only two fans were spared any damage from the accident.

The seven people who died were: Chiang Rai Mae Fa Luang district assistant officer Pakdisan Supoj, 44, Chiang Rai Abhisit United Football Club webmaster Jaikla, 27; Chiang Rai FC fan club president Chinnakorn Sriyap; Jamra Khlathai, 43; Athipong Hanwanich, 27 Fujai Sukanya, 32;, and Ekthawat.

The bus was carrying 55 football fans for the match between FC and Chiang Rai Buriram PEA scheduled for Saturday night at the Stadium I-phone in the Muang district of Buri Ram.

Initial police investigation found that the bus was traveling fast when the driver swerved the car to the side to avoid colliding with a six-wheel truck. In the process, the bus fell into the ditch, causing deaths and injuries.

Atthapol Buspakom, Buriram coach PEA, yesterday offered his condolences for the deaths and injuries sustained by fans of FC Chiang Rai. Match said last night would begin with a silent prayer for the dead followers of Chiang Rai FC.

Yongyuth Tiyapairat political veteran, father of President Chiang Rai FC, yesterday visited seriously injured fans and Phra Narai Chaibadan Maharat Hospital Hospital. He also visited the fans who suffered minor injuries in their hotel rooms in the district of Chaibadan, to give them moral support and agreed to take charge of their accommodation costs.

Press Release: Chiangrai Times