A van skidded off a mountain curve, rolled over, and crashed off the road. A grandmother and her grandchild died, and 14 others were injured. The van driver claimed he fell asleep at the wheel.
On 5 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Pol. Col. Sommai Pisutsesutsiri, superintendent of Udomsap Police Station in Wang Nam Khiao District, Nakhon Ratchasima, reported on the case of a white Toyota van with Bangkok license plates that lost control, hitting a streetlight pole and the roadside guardrail before overturning off the road. The crash occurred near the research and training station for forestry students at Kasetsart University, Ban Huai Nam Khem, Moo 11, Udomsap Subdistrict, at kilometer marker 243+100 on Highway 304 (Ratchasima-Kabin Buri Road).
The accident caused two deaths: Mrs. Boonhom Insakul and an unnamed young female relative; both were grandmother and grandchild from Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima. Fourteen people were injured. Rescue volunteers from Huk 31 stationed at Udomsap Subdistrict administered first aid and transported the injured to Pak Thong Chai Hospital and Wang Nam Khiao Hospital. Later, Mr. Prompiriya Supannok, who was severely injured, was transferred to Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital for treatment.
Investigation revealed that all 14 passengers chose to avoid traveling during the extended New Year holiday and hired Mr. Danai, 47, as the driver. He suffered minor injuries. They were being transported to destinations in Phimai and Chum Phuang districts. While entering Pak Thong Chai District near the curve in front of the forestry student research and training station at Kasetsart University, on a downhill curve known for frequent serious accidents and fatalities, the van lost control.
Mr. Danai claimed he had fallen asleep while driving from Pattaya, Chonburi Province, causing the vehicle to veer off the road. Authorities have charged him with reckless driving causing death, injury, and damage to government property.