Lao passengers killed as van crashes and catches fire in Roi Et

On 18 August 2026, two Lao nationals lost their lives and 12 others sustained injuries when a passenger van collided with a roadside barrier and subsequently erupted into flames in Roi Et province. The incident transpired around 05:20 on the Kalasin-Mukdahan Road, near Ban Khok Lam in Nong Yai subdistrict, Phon Thong district, Roi Et. The collision occurred close to the border with Kuchinarai district in Kalasin province.

Emergency services, alerted via the 191 hotline, swiftly responded to the scene. Police, fire crews, rescue teams and medical personnel arrived on the scene to extinguish the blaze and provide assistance to the passengers. The Bangkok-registered passenger van carried 14 people, all of whom were Lao nationals. They were en route from Bangkok to Mukdahan to renew their permits and return home.

The van reportedly deviated from its lane, swerved off the road and overturned, igniting a fire that entirely destroyed the vehicle. Two passengers succumbed to their injuries, while 12 others were wounded and transported to various hospitals. The victims were Kuchinarai Crown Prince Hospital, six by Buakhao rescue workers and one by Sam Kha rescue workers.

One survivor recounted that the driver had been speeding, potentially drowsy. A pair of passengers had previously cautioned the driver about the vehicle's excessive speed, near 140 kph, but he had been unable to maintain control of the van. The driver ultimately reduced his speed but subsequently resumed driving at high velocity. The survivor noticed the driver appeared fatigued, nodding off repeatedly while at the wheel.

Just as the survivor prepared to warn the driver, the van abruptly veered off the road. Police from Phon Thong Police Station are investigating the crash's precise cause. Authorities are also identifying and verifying the details of the injured and deceased.