58 people killed during New Year celebrations in Thailand

BANGKOK: At least 58 people have been killed and 517 injured in separate incidents since yesterday mostly due to drunk driving as people across Thailand began their New Year celebrations.

Six fatalities reported from the country's northeastern Buriram Province while Chiang Mai city and Surat Thani province witnessed 23 accidents.

Authorities apprehended that the toll may rise. Yesterday, which was the first day of the 'Seven Dangerous Days' campaign to promote road safety during the New Year holiday, 508 accidents were reported, Deputy Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said today.

According to data collected by the Road Safety Directing Center, the main causes behind the accidents were alcohol (36.61 per cent) and over-speeding (23.82 per cent).

Two-wheelers led the highest number of accidents as they represented 82.41 per cent.

The most accident-prone time of the day was between 4 pm and 8 pm (local time), Bangkok Post reported.

The Ministry of Pubic Health has already ordered all Hospitals under it's control to be prepared for potential emergency cases over the 'Seven Dangerous Days' of the Thai New Year, while a call center has been established to monitor medical emergencies.