KUALA LUMPUR: Thai police have confirmed that 13 Malaysians were killed in the horrific bus crash in Thailand earlier today.
Malaysian ambassador to Thailand, Datuk Nazirah Hussain said in the latest report, 13 Malaysians were killed in the incident 12.20pm incident.
"Nine others were injured including four, who sustained serious injuries," she said.
Nazirah said the Thai police have yet to disclose the list of victims.
Earlier, it was believed that at least 16 Malaysians had perished in the tragedy.
Reuters had quoted provincial police chief Major General Montri Sambunyanon as saying that the bus, carrying 23 people, had hit a car and ran off a curve in the road in the Doi Saket district, near the northern city of Chiang Mai.
Reports claimed that the driver had earlier rammed another vehicle and was trying to flee when the horrific crash occurred.
The 10 other people on the bus, including the Thai driver, were also injured in the crash and are being treated in hospital in Chiang Mai city, Montri said.
Two people from the other vehicle involved in the incident were injured as well.
The bus was believed to be transporting the passengers to Chiang Mai.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, via his Twitter account expressed condolences to the families of the victims. He also tweeted that the government will ensure that the victims will be brought home and promised aid for their next-of-kin.
“I am saddened to hear about the accident in Chiang Mai where 13 of our people perished. I offer my condolences to the families of the victims.
“The Government will ensure that efforts be made to bring their remains home and assistance be given to families of the Malaysian victims.”
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also post on his Twitter account: “Hope that our ambassador will do the best in the arrangement for the remains.”