At least 29 dead after bus plunges off bridge in Thailand (VIDEO)
Members of Thai rescue team inspect the bodies of passengers killed in road accident in Phetchabun province on Dec. 27, 2013. A bus carrying New Year travellers plunged off one of Thailand’s highest bridges, killing at least 29 people.
A bus carrying dozens of New Year's travelers plunged off one of Thailand's highest bridges Friday, killing at least 29 passengers.
The accident occurred around midnight in the Lom Sak district of Phetchabun province.
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The bus was en route to the northern province of Chiang Rai.
“We suspect the bus driver fell asleep,” Major General Sukit Samana, police commander of Phetchabun province, told AFP.
Authorities found 28 bodies in the ravine below Khun Pha Muang bridge. Another victim died on the way to the hospital.
Several other passengers were in critical condition.
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Two Chinese citizens were reported to be among the victims, according to Xinhua news agency, which cited the Chinese embassy in Bangkok.
There was no immediate confirmation from Thai authorities.
An eyewitness told authorities the bus was traveling very fast when it broke through the safety barrier of the bridge.
The accident occurred as millions of Thais are expected to travel during the New Year period.
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