Rescue volunteers clear the wrecked BMW of Sornram Theppitak from a crash scene in Lat Phrao. A woman who was collecting garbage for recycling was killed instantly on Wednesday night when the actor’s car ploughed into her. Sornram says he fell asleep at t

Bangkok police have vowed to investigate the incident transparently and ensure justice for both parties.

Sornram, who was slightly injured in the accident, was admitted to Wichaiyuth Hospital, which claimed the actor had no alcohol in his body.

The accident happened on Soi Senanikhom in Lat Phrao district shortly after 11pm. Police found the body of Pitploen Takoma, 58, on the footpath near Sornram's damaged car.

Adirek Phochai, a security officer at a nearby condominium, told police he saw the speeding BMW hit Pitploen before crashing into a phone booth and a roadside tree. Sornram emerged from the car and said he had dozed off while driving, Adirek said, adding that the actor quickly disappeared from the scene.

Sornram's manager later informed the police that the actor had been injured and admitted to Wichaiyuth Hospital.

Dr Narong Rodwanna told a press conference yesterday morning that Sornram, who suffered a nosebleed from the accident - had been deprived of sleep for a week and had taken a flu medicine prior to the accident. He said the actor was exhausted from lack of sleep but had no trace of alcohol in his body.

Sornram's mother, Mayuree, told reporters that her son was exhausted and would later give testimony to police. He kept asking about the victim. "I'd like to apologise to the family of the dead woman on behalf of my son. No one wanted this to happen and my son insists he will assist the family of the dead woman," Mayuree said. The actor's father, Chumporn, went to Chokchai police station on his son's behalf while the actor was resting.

Chokchai Police yesterday filed initial charges against Sornram of reckless driving, causing death, property damage and fleeing the scene of an accident.

Metropolitan Police Bureau commissioner Lt-General Adisorn Nonsi said he could not yet confirm if Sornram would also be charged with drunk driving. He said the case would be dealt with transparently.

Sornram's friend, actor Kanchai Kamnerdploy, said Sornram had suffered nosebleeds and blurred vision, but kept asking about the victim. "I'd like to offer my condolences to her family. Sornram is very upset by what happened. He said he was responsible and asked me to go to her funeral on his behalf," Kanchai said.

Pitploen's husband, Nares Wong-eium, 49, who picked up his wife's body at the Police General Hospital yesterday morning, said he was at the scene when the accident occurred.

After he saw his wife of ten years killed, he walked over to the car and found Sornram, who kept apologising, Nares said.

He said Sornram looked at Pitploen's body and said he was not drunk but had fallen asleep at the wheel.

Chumporn arrived at the scene later and told Nares his son would take full responsibility, he said.

"I don't want to press charges because I understand it was an accident," Nares said, adding that he would consult with Pitploen's three children, all in their 30s, about compensation.

He urged Sornram to apologise to Pitploen at her funeral himself.

Mayuree also met with Nares and paid respects to Pitploen before accompanying the family to Wat Kohsuwannaram, where the funeral will take place.