Mass Casualty Accident Investigation : A Case of The School Van Crashed into an Electric Pole in Muang Uttaradit District, Uttaradit Province February 5, 2025

Abstract

On February 5, 2025, the SAT team of Disease Control Office 2 received a report of a school van accident that crashed into an electric pole on the Sirikit Dam-Uttaradit route, Moo 5, Ngiw-Ngam Sub-district, Mueang District, Uttaradit Province. The JIT team from Disease Control Office 2, together with the Uttaradit Road Accident Investigation Team, conducted an investigation on February 6, 2025, to determine the cause and prevention measures. The investigation involved collecting medical data, surveying the location and vehicle, interviewing victims and rescuers, and analyzing injury factors using Haddon's Matrix Model.

The investigation revealed a problem with the front wheel on the driver's side, causing collision with a roadside electric pole. There were 23 victims and injuries, aged between 7-18 years, with no fatalities. Most suffered injuries to the head, neck, chest, arms, and legs. Contributing factors included: the 18-year-old driver with less than 2 years of driving experience, no driving license, and inability to control the vehicle. The vehicle was old, modified with additional passenger seats, and had tires manufactured more than 4 years ago, affecting vehicle control. Numerous severe injuries occurred due to the rear being heavier than the front. When front wheels and tires had problems, the front wheels locked and slid on the road surface, making steering control impossible.

For future prevention, the provincial transport office and educational institutions should control and supervise school bus inspections regarding driver safety, vehicle standards for carrying many children, and ensure operators comply with school bus safety standards.