188 killed during Songkran festival in Thailand

Apr 16, 2011 |

IANS

BANGKOK

At least 188 people have been killed and 2,786 others injured in road accidents during an ongoing Thai festival, reports media.

The deaths have occurred during the traditional Songkran festival holidays, Thailand's local disaster prevention and mitigation department stated on Saturday.

On Friday alone, 40 opeople were killed and another 470 injured in 443 road accidents, the department said while blaming speeding and alcohol for most of the accidents.

Songkran festival is the traditional Thai New Year festival famous for water-splashing celebrations. It is being celebrated between April 13-17 this year.

A large number of Thais have started to leave or enter cities to reach their homes since early this week.

Hundreds of people are killed each year in road accidents during Songkran festive.

Motorcycles are usually involved in most of these road accidents, followed by pick-up trucks.

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