A passenger van rammed into a tree in Thoen district of Lampang early yesterday, injuring the driver and nine passengers, police said.
The accident occurred about 4.30am between kilometre markers 629-630 on Highway 1 near Ban Sop Toen in tambon Mae Thot.
The Toyota van was taking nine passengers — five men and four women — from Samut Prakan province to Ko Kha district of Lampang.
The van driver, Prawit Muanfong, 55, and all nine passengers on board were injured, two seriously. They were extracted from the wreck of the van, which rammed into a tree in the middle of the road divider, and were admitted to Thoen Hospital. Two passengers with more severe injuries were later sent to Lampang Hospital.
Police are investigating the cause of the crash. It was initially believed the driver fell asleep at the wheel.
