Pattaya —
A 3-year-old and 12-year-old children were killed in a motorbike-pickup truck collision today near Pattaya. Three more people were injured, all under 18 years old.
The devastating accident was reported to Huay Yai Police at 11:30 AM on Sunday, September 17th, on Plang Road 9, Khao Mai Kaeo sub-district. Banglamung district, Chonburi province. The police, The Pattaya News, and emergency responders rushed to the scene to aid several injured individuals.
At the scene, many villagers had gathered to assist the victims, all of whom were minors under the age of 18. Upon examination, it was discovered that a 12-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl had sustained serious injuries and tragically passed away shortly after the authorities’ arrival.
The deceased, whose names were withheld due to their young ages, were reportedly run over by a pickup truck, after a motorbike they were pillion riding, driven by other minors, collided with their peers who were driving alongside them.
Their parents had traveled to see their beloved daughter and son, and upon learning of their losses, they collapsed and burst into tears.
Three other children were injured in the accident, mostly suffering non-serious wounds. Since they were all under 18, The Pattaya News decided to withhold their names. They were sent to Banglamung Hospital for further treatment.
Police discovered two motorbikes reportedly driven by the children at the scene. The authorities interviewed the involved pickup truck driver, Mr. Nikorn Khamwan, 50, who, in a panicked state, explained that a group of children were riding two motorbikes, with three children and young teens on each bike.
When the group descended a slope and approached a curve, both motorcycles lost control simultaneously, resulting in a tumble. The children were scattered across the road just as Mr. Nikorn was nearing, causing him to run over two of them, injuring their legs.
Mr. Nikorn told police he couldn’t brake in time. He promptly parked his vehicle and rushed to the children’s aid before he was joined by other villagers.
Eyewitnesses to the accident supported Mr. Nikorn’s claims, saying the kids failed to navigate a curve and lost control and Mr. Nikon fully cooperated to help. The children were also travelling at a high speed, the eyewitnesses added.
The bodies were sent to Banglamung Hospital to determine if the children’s passing was a result of being run over by the pickup truck, or due to the fall. No reports of legal action being pressed were available.
Thai law requires that one must be at least 18 years old to drive a car or 15 years old in respect of motorcycles, notes The Pattaya News. None of the children were wearing motorbike helmets.
