Suriya Implements Stringent Measures on Double-Decker Buses Following Fiery Accident

Prachin Buri: "Suriya" ordered the Department of Land Transport to strictly control double-decker buses after the bus caught fire. The investigation results showed that the driver was using inappropriate speed. He also ordered a ban on operating high-risk routes in the hope of avoiding accidents. He also stopped adding double-decker buses to transport passengers.According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, revealed that he had ordered the Department of Land Transport to investigate the case of a bus accident that hit the back of a truck and caused a fire on Highway No. 304 in Bu Phram Subdistrict, Na Di District, Prachin Buri Province, resulting in deaths and injuries.The Department of Land Transport reported that the driver used inappropriate speed on the steep downhill road, leading to a violent crash into the truck, causing significant damage and a short-circuit that resulted in the bus catching fire. The vehicle, which was running on di esel fuel, was equipped and ready for use at the time of the accident.Mr. Suriya has directed the DLT to rigorously inspect buses to prevent future accidents involving double-decker buses. As a preventive measure, double-decker buses are now prohibited from operating on seven identified risky routes, including Highway No. 118 and Highway No. 103.In coordination with the Department of Highways, risky points on these routes will have speed bumps installed to alert drivers to slow down. Buses will also be required to pass through readiness checkpoints, with strict legal actions to be enforced against violations.Furthermore, the DLT has been instructed to implement stringent measures to prevent the increase of double-decker buses for passenger transport services, ensuring that both regular and non-regular double-decker buses adhere to safety standards to protect public welfare.