The road traffic injuries investigation on caused of dead from a small truck crashed a tree, Lamphun Province, during on 8-10 October 2016

Abstract

On 8-10 th October, 2016, Surveillance Rapid Response Team (SRRT) Lamphun Provincial Health Office, conducted an investigation related to a road traffic accident, purposing to describe the event and to investigate the factors affecting injury and deaths, in order to find the appropriate interventions to prevent future road traffic injuries. A pickup truck crashed into trees along Highway 11 at the 523^th Kilometer stone, Muang District, Lamphun Province. A descriptive study was developed by gathering data from medical records, physical investigation of the scene and interviewing relatives of person who was involved in the event. Risk factors of injuries were analyzed by using the Haddon matrix method. The investigation found that the event occurred on October 8^th, 2016, at about 09.00 am. The pickup truck crashed into trees, a total of 6 people were killed, 4 persons died on the spot, among them 3 people died inside the vehicle, and one who sitting in the pickup bed fell out and died next to the truck. Another 2 who were also sitting in the pickup bed behind the truck died in hospital. All passengers were Thai, 4 female and 2 male, with average age 47 years (34-52 years old). Doctors with specialized death investigation indicated causes of death were severe head injury; neck and face including multiple internal organs injury; chest and abdominal cavity, spinal cord, pelvic cavity injury. The behavior risks related to the crash were driver carelessly speeding and driving too fast to control the vehicle while it out of  the actual lean to a left path way, moreover he was possibly dozing off at that time. We recommend the Road Safety Center Committee, increase the Reduce Speed warning signs, environmental improvements, risk communication for safe driving and  intensification of law enforcement, particularly, the strategy of preventing people who sit behind  the truck without any safety structure attachment.