BANGKOK — Three police officers were killed last night when a motorist lost control of his vehicle and slammed into their checkpoint on a highway in Bangkok.
Police in Taweewattanadistrict received reports about the accident at midnight and arrived at the scene on Boromratchachonnanee Road with rescue workers to find an obliterated police checkpoint with a crashed, blood-stained Mitsubishi Pajero parked 30 metres away.
Two police officers were found dead, and four other officers were severely injured by the crash. One of the wounded officers later died at a hospital, and the rest remain in critical condition, medical workers said.
The police arrested the driver of the vehicle, who was identified as Nawapon Petchkaew, 24.
Pol.Cpt. Wasan Chaemmankong said Mr. Nawapon was speeding down a highway ramp when he lost control of his car. He eventually crashed it into a tent of police officers at Bangkok Yai Police checkpoint, before colliding with another car 30 metres away.
Some of the police officers were "dragged" by the car until it came to a halt, Pol.Cpt Wasan added.
Pol.Maj.Gen. Chayut Thanataweerat said the two police officers who died were "rookies" who had recently started working with the police force.
Mr. Nawapon was given an alcohol test but the results showed he was not intoxicated at the time of the crash, Pol.Maj.Gen. Chayut said. Mr. Nawapon will also be tested to determine whether he was under the influence of any illegal drugs at the time of the accident, said Pol.Maj.Gen. Chayut.
It is not immediately clear whether Mr. Nawapon has been charged with a crime.
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