Bus overturns off Chiang Mai–Lamphun highway; multiple injured and dead

Early on Saturday morning, July 4, 2026, rescue workers and traffic police in Chiang Mai province were notified of a passenger bus that overturned off the Chiang Mai–Lamphun highway during the predawn hours. The crash occurred near kilometer marker 12, close to Ban That Su intersection. There were both injuries and fatalities at the scene. Witnesses and officials said the bus had been traveling at speed and may have failed to negotiate the curve before tipping onto its side along the roadside.

Investigators from the Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station, accompanied by municipal rescue units and foundation volunteers, inspected the scene. Preliminary reports indicate three people were killed at the scene and about 18 others were injured. The injured were taken to Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital and nearby hospitals, with injuries ranging from minor to critical. The bus driver was detained for alcohol and drug testing and questioned about the condition of the vehicle’s tires and brakes as part of the probe into the accident’s cause.

The incident alarmed residents along the route and road users on the main artery between Chiang Mai and Lamphun, a stretch that carries heavy traffic from trucks, passenger vans, and private cars. Police closed one traffic lane and opened a parallel route to expedite evacuation of the injured and removal of debris, resulting in traffic jams stretching for several kilometers during the Saturday morning rush hour.

The mayor of the nearby subdistrict said the municipality has coordinated with the Department of Highways to expedite installation of warning signs at the dangerous curve and to improve lighting in the area. Local councils are also discussing measures to inspect public-service vehicles before they go into service, especially during festivals and long holidays, to prevent repeat incidents and reduce risks to public safety.

The provincial road-safety authority ordered transport operators to check drivers’ records, working hours, and vehicle conditions including brakes, tires, and steering systems, and to immediately withdraw any vehicles found to be defective. Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital said it has mobilized emergency medical and psychiatric teams to support victims’ relatives and is coordinating financial and temporary housing assistance for injured people from other areas.

The crash has raised safety concerns among Chiang Mai residents and tourists and caused prolonged traffic disruption for travelers on the route. Local authorities urged the public to allow extra travel time, avoid the route if not necessary, and follow traffic police directions. They asked people to report unsafe vehicles or reckless driving immediately by calling the emergency number 191 or contacting local agencies. The investigation into the crash’s causes is ongoing, and officials said they will release more information when facts are confirmed.