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| 10 Killed in Train Mishap |
| UPDATE : 5 October 2009 |
A train bound for Bangkok from Trang province derailed in Prachuap Khiri Khan's Hua Hin district this morning, killing at least ten passengers and injuring many others.
The overnight train number 84, travelling from the southern province of Trang to Bangkok, slipped off the track near Khao Tao station in Prachuap Khiri Khan's Hua Hin district. Apparently, the sixth carriage derailed and pulled down the other carriages.
Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Police Commander Police Major General Rungrote Saengkram disclosed that the derailment killed at least ten passengers while more than 80 injured passengers were sent to nearby hospitals.
Sixty-six of those injured have been discharged while 22 others remain under close medical observation.
Anyone suspecting their loved ones may have been injured in the accident can contact Hua Hin Hospital by calling 032-523-000, extension 8131, around the clock.
The commander said the authorities are investigating the train's controllers. An initial investigation showed that it was raining heavily before the accident happened. However, the cause of the incident has not been concluded.
Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nop-amornbodi visited hospitals where injured passengers are being treated and revealed that doctors and nurses from both public and private hospitals in Petchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan are cooperating to provide full medical aid to the injured. He added that the Public Health Ministry will take care of the medical expenses.
In the meantime, Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, Yutthana Thapjaroen, said a special committee has been set up to probe the cause of the derailment and the result will be concluded within five days.
Yutthana said six of the train's carriages derailed in the incident, forcing suspension of all southern trains bound for Bangkok. He noted that salvation teams are working to clear the track and expected that it would take more than one day.
Officials from Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office are helping in the operation. He added the train service will resume as soon as possible.
Travelers who have booked tickets in advance for this period can seek a refund at any train stations or call 1690 for more information.
He confirmed the State Railway of Thailand will compensate the families of those killed and injured in the accident.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has traveled to Prachuap Khiri Khan's Hua Hin district to follow up on the progress in providing assistance to victims of the accident.
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