101 persons died on first two days of Songkran

BANGKOK, April 13 (TNA) - A total of 101 people were killed and 838 injured in 791 road accidents throughout Thailand during the first two days of the ‘seven dangerous days’ of Songkran festival, according an announcement issued by Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. The announcement said up to 40 per cent of the total road accidents were attributed to drink-driving. Provinces with most fatalities during the period were Kanchanaburi province bordering Myanmar and Prachuap Khiri Khan, with six each, it said. The northern capital of Chiang Mai recorded most injuries with 34, the announcement said. The lower northern province of Sukhothai on Friday recorded first road accident during the festival, known as Thailand’s traditional New Year, when a speeding pickup truck carrying Songkran revellers lost control at a curve in Sawan Khalok district. One person was thrown out of the vehicle following the accident, broke his neck and died at the scene while five others sustained serious injuries and were struck inside the ill-fated car. (TNA)