In the early hours of yesterday, a devastating road accident occurred resulting in the tragic loss of five Thai nationals. This incident unfolded while the group was en route through Laos, heading towards their ultimate destination of China. Tragedy struck in the region of Boten, located in the province of Luang Namtha, Laos, as reported by Pol. Lt. Col. Kanyawarat Jullasat, Deputy Chief of the Chiang Khong border immigration office.
The unfortunate event unfolded just past the witching hour, where a tour group comprising 20 travellers journeyed in two separate passenger vans. Their path took them along the R3A road directly linking the Chiang Khong district of Chiang Rai with Boten. Their journey turned disastrous approximately 100 kilometres from the Fourth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, Jullasat disclosed.
Originally, the group’s itinerary outlined continuing their trek to the city of Kunming in China, via train after crossing into Laos. However, a towering 18-wheeler truck dramatically upended these plans, throwing a fatal wrench in their seemingly safe journey.
The horrifying collision took place when the behemoth of a truck collided headfirst with one of the passenger vans as it attempted to negotiate a wide turn. The impact was so intense, it tragically led to the untimely demise of five Thai passengers and a Laotian driver. This horrifying event left three additional members of the tour group with various degrees of injuries.
The Thai nationals who unfortunately lost their lives were identified as Nui Meechai (68), Yupa Meechai (66), Kanchana Ngernyen (68), Khamsai Chompubai (59), and Boonnam Artpakdee (68). They all hailed from the Wiang Pa Pao district of Chiang Rai.
In the aftermath of the accident, rescue workers sprung into action, extricating the injured and ensuring their swift transport to the Chiang Khong Crown Prince Hospital for immediate medical attention.
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