Speeding SUV kills 3 policemen (Updated)

A postgraduate student crashed his vehicle into a security checkpoint on Boromratchonnanee Road on Sunday night, killing three policemen and injuring three.Afternoon update: The young driver has been released on bail.

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The flag-draped coffins of the three dead police officers stand side by side during a religious ceremony yesterday. PATTARAPONG CHATPATTARASILL

Afternoon update: The young driver has been released on bail

The Taling Chan Provincial Court on Tuesday granted bail to Nawaphon Phetkaeo, a postgraduate student who crashed his vehicle into a security checkpoint on Boromratchonnanee Road on Sunday night, killing three policemen and injuring three others.

Mr Nawaphon was released on bail after his uncle Prajuab Chumai placed a 1.4 milion baht land title deed as surety. The court set bail at 500,000 baht for the 25-year-old Bangkok University postgraduate student and allowed him bail.

Nawaphon Phetkaeo, the driver of the SUV that crashed into the police tent, is taken to the Taling Chan Provincial Court this morning. APICHART JINAKUL

Mr Prajuab said he and other family members met the family of the policemen killed in the accident on Monday to apologise and express condolences, and to offer assistance for the loss of their loved ones.

He said it was too early for the talks to be concluded but Mr Nawaphon and his family were ready to take responsibility for what had happened.

Student kills 3 policemen in checkpoint crash

Post Reporters

A postgraduate student crashed his vehicle into a security checkpoint on Boromratchonnanee Road on Sunday night, killing three policemen and injuring three.

Nawaphon Phetkaeo, who was arrested after the accident near Phutthamonthon Sai 2 road, yesterday apologised for the accident, saying he was "unfamiliar" with the car he had borrowed from his father.

It was about 11pm on Sunday when Mr Nawaphon drove the Mitsubishi Pajero along out-bound Boromratchonnanee Road.

At the police checkpoint in front of a Boonthavorn store, a group of police were resting after checking vehicles for several hours.

As Mr Nawaphon’s SUV approached the checkpoint, he tried to overtake a car in front of him.

He changed into a faster lane, but the car in front had begun to slow down. He jammed on the brakes and tried to return to the first lane.

He lost control of the vehicle, which ploughed into the tent of police officers.

Thammasala police station chief Thawat Wongsanga said Mr Nawaphon was in shock after losing control of his car.

Police found no traces of drugs or alcohol in Mr Nawaphon's system.

The 25-year-old Bangkok University postgraduate student was charged with reckless driving, causing casualties and damage to assets, Pol Col Thawat said.

The three dead officers were hit by the car and dragged for 30 metres.

The Mitsubishi Pajero is severely damaged after its driver, Nawaphon Phetkaeo, drove it into a group of police at a checkpoint on Boromratchonnanee Road late on Sunday night, killing three of them and injuring three others.

The car eventually came to a rest after crashing into three police vehicles, said Pol L/Cpl Chanaphat Khamchuen, who narrowly escaped injury in the accident.

He said the SUV was travelling at high speed when it passed the first checkpoint about 100 metres before the crash site.

After the driver stepped on the brakes, the vehicle spun round before running into the tent of policemen.

He and two colleagues standing nearby were able to jump clear.

The dead policemen will be promoted to higher ranks because they died on duty, National police chief Adul Saengsingkaew said yesterday.

Families of the six officers will also have the right to compensation between 110,000 baht and 1.2 million baht, he said.

Police will take Mr Nawaphon to Taling Chan Provincial Court for detention today. They are considering whether he should be allowed bail.

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