Police screen public transport staff for drugs and alcohol in safety sweep following horror train crash
Police screened public transport staff for alcohol and drugs following a horror train crash that killed eight in Thailand.
Authorities from Thailand's narcotics agency swept through bus and train stations across Bangkok to carry out surprise tests on transport workers on May 19.
The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) said screenings were conducted at the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, the Bang Sue Diesel Locomotive Depot, and the Mo Chit Bus Terminal.
Prin Mekhanan, director of the ONCB in Bangkok, said 118 State Railway of Thailand employees were tested on the first day, with all returning negative results for drugs. Another 78 bus drivers also underwent random drug tests and tested negative.
He added that screenings for railway staff will be held until May 26.
The Bangkok Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) said the operation was part of a directive under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to crack down on drugs.
The agency also urged transport employees to ensure they have enough rest, limit their alcohol intake and stay away from drugs as part of efforts to prevent accidents and improve passenger safety.
The safety sweep was launched days after an allegedly drug-addled train driver, Sayomporn Sornkoon, 46, crashed a freight train into a bus and other vehicles at the Makkasan station in Bangkok on May 16.
Police chief Porumporn Koondejsumrit said both Sayomporn and the on-duty crossing guard, Uthen Jomkhiri, 57, have been arrested.
He added: 'The train driver has been charged with negligence causing death, as evidence clearly indicates reckless conduct leading to fatalities.'
Phichet Khunathamrak, director-general of the Department of Rail Transport, said drug tests conducted on the train operator showed positive results in urine screening.
A spokesman for the Department of Rail Transport said it has 'strict drug and alcohol tests' on all train operators and ground staff under a 'zero-tolerance' policy.
Authorities said the crash occurred on the rail line intersecting the busy Asok-Din Daeng Road at exactly 3:36 pm local time.
The barrier, which is normally lowered to prevent vehicles from being on the tracks as trains approach, was still raised. Footage of the crash showed the impact, with passengers being hurled through glass windows. Several perished in the flames.
Paramedics at the scene said at least eight people were killed and 32 others injured.
Officers said the bus driver would also be charged, but he remained under medical treatment and was unable to be questioned.
The Makkasan station is where thousands of tourists take a monorail every day on the Airport Rail Link. However, the level crossing below, which is a separate overland train line, has become notorious for heavy traffic, with cars often getting stuck on the rail lines as the barrier lowers and trains approach.
Thailand has one of the world's worst road safety records. Ministers have set the goal of reducing fatalities from 32.7 deaths per 100,000 people to 12 per 100,000 people by the year 2027.
