RAYONG — A fatal collision involving an ambulance that ran a red light has left two dead and 13 injured in Ban Chang district, sparking a public debate over emergency vehicle protocols and road safety.

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The incident occurred when the ambulance, responding to another accident, sped through a red light at an intersection and collided with a blue hatchback traveling at high speed on a green light. Security camera footage showed the hatchback driver, who authorities confirmed had the right of way, failing to notice the approaching ambulance or hear its siren. The impact caused the ambulance to spin and overturn, crushing a group of motorcycles waiting at the traffic light.

Among the victims were a mother and her five-year-old son, both seriously injured. The child later died in hospital. A 17-year-old student, who would have celebrated his 18th birthday on August 22, also succumbed to severe head trauma. Thirteen others, including students and guardians returning from school, sustained injuries ranging from cuts to abrasions but are now in stable condition.

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The ambulance driver faces four charges: reckless driving causing death (up to 10 years imprisonment and/or a 200,000-baht fine), reckless driving causing injury (up to three years and/or a 60,000-baht fine), running a red light (1,000-baht fine), and operating a public transport vehicle without a proper license (up to one month in jail and/or a 1,000-baht fine).

The crash has ignited online discussions about whether emergency vehicles should be exempt from traffic rules. While some defended the ambulance’s urgency, others emphasized that drivers often cannot pinpoint the direction of sirens and called for greater caution at intersections.

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Police confirmed the hatchback driver was not at fault, as she obeyed traffic signals and had legal right of way. Investigations are ongoing as authorities review emergency response protocols to prevent future tragedies.

-Thailand News (TN)