Songkran toll: 242 killed, down 5% from three-year average

A total of 242 people were killed and 1,200 others injured in 1,242 road accidents recorded over the seven days of Songkran, according to the Road Accidents Prevention and Mitigation Command Centre.

Yesterday alone, the last day of the Songkran safe-driving campaign, saw 17 deaths and 123 injuries in 123 road accidents. Speeding contributed to 40.65% of the accidents, followed by close-range cutting in at 25.20%.

Motorcycles were involved in 64.55% of all accidents.

Bangkok had the highest death toll, at 21, while Phrae recorded the highest number of injuries and accidents, at 50 and 48 respectively.

Ten provinces reported no fatalities: Nakhon Phanom, Bueng Kan, Pattani, Phang-nga, Rayong, Satun, Samut Songkhram, Sing Buri, Nong Bua Lamphu and Mae Hong Son.

Teerapat Kachamat, director-general of the Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, said that the number of accidents and casualties during this year’s Songkran celebrations was five percent below the average of the past three years.