The driver of an 18-wheeler truck came forward to surrender, claiming he did not realize he had run over the female student. He insisted he did not hit her but that the motorcycle fell first. He is preparing to pay respects to the family, while the student's mother has expressed forgiveness.
The case involves Miss Arinya, known as Kiwi, aged 20, a second-year vocational college student who was run over and killed by a green 18-wheeler truck along with her motorcycle while returning home to Nong Song Hong Subdistrict, Mueang District. The incident occurred at 13:35 on 8 June. The truck then fled the scene, as previously reported.Read more: Hit-and-run: Search for 18-wheeler truck driver who crushed female student found recently engaged to her boyfriend)
Mrs. Uraiwan Dadthuyawat, 39, Kiwi’s mother, said she is still struggling to accept the loss as her daughter was her only child and the sole hope for her and her husband. Kiwi was in her final year of vocational studies and had just recently gotten engaged to her boyfriend.
The investigative team at Mueang Buriram Police Station reviewed CCTV footage and have identified the vehicle involved after clips from a repair shop showing the incident were released.
Recently, Mr. Somporn, 53, a driver for a transport company, came forward and confessed to being the driver of the 18-wheeler truck that ran over Kiwi. He reported this to Police Lieutenant Colonel Setthapong Meeklom, an investigator at Mueang Buriram Police Station.
In preliminary questioning, the truck driver insisted he did not hit the motorcycle; rather, the motorcycle fell first, and then the trailer ran over Kiwi. He agreed to forensic inspection, and initial checks by officials found no signs of collision damage on the 18-wheeler truck’s body.
CCTV footage shows Kiwi’s motorcycle traveling in the innermost lane. The truck then changed lanes from the left to the right inner lane, which likely startled Kiwi and caused her motorcycle to fall. Subsequently, the truck ran over both the motorcycle and Kiwi. Police have initially charged the driver with "reckless driving causing death." Further charges related to fleeing the scene may be added if evidence supports it.
Meanwhile, the truck owner plans to take the driver to offer respects to the deceased’s family. According to Kiwi’s mother, she holds no grudge and guarantees the driver’s safety, considering the incident an accident and believing there was no intent to flee.