One dead after driver crashes into shrine in Yaowarat
Officers cordon off the Guanyin shrine on Yaowarat Road in Bangkok after a driver reportedly lost consciousness and his car struck the site on Thursday. (Photo: Warunwipa Kasempongpanit) A driver reportedly lost consciousness and crashed his vehicle into the Guanyin Shrine in Bangkokβs Chinatown on Thursday, injuring three people at the site, one of whom later died.
The incident involving an electric car was reported at 1pm at the shrine on Yaowarat Road.
Witnesses initially told police the driver was an elderly man who had an underlying condition related to high blood pressure, police said.
The man reportedly lost consciousness and accidentally pressed the accelerator, causing the vehicle to plough into people who were paying respects inside the 68-year-old shrine.
Initial reports said three people were injured, including two who sustained serious injuries, with some items and structures damaged, according to FM91 Trafficpro.
The Guanyin statue, however, remained intact as the car was stopped right at its base.
Emergency responders provided assistance and took the victims to hospital.
An 82-year-old woman died of her injuries. The 78-year-old driver has been charged with negligence, police said.
