PRACHIN BURI — Four passengers trappd by a central locking mechanism died after their van exploded on Saturday on its way back to Bangkok from a casino in Poipet, Cambodia.
The van driven by Somboon Chankrok lost control after a tyre blew out while it was travelling at high speed in Kabin Buri district of Prachin Buri province, said Pol Col Anek Unchan, a duty officer at the Kabin Buri police station.
The van's liquefied petroleum gas tank subsequently exploded but the passengers remained trapped inside. Local residents tried to help them out but they could not open the locked rear door. Eventually they used stones to break the windows, Pol Col Anek quoted them as saying. However, by that time the passengers were dead from burns and gas inhalation.
The driver suffered severe burns and was taken to Krabin Buri hospital.
Killed in the accident were Pongthep Osot, Wassana Rungseechanapaisal, Achara Kaewintra and another woman who has not yet been identified.