Death Race

A police officer inspects debris of a racing car at Bangkok Dragon Avenue Racing Track in Pathumthani on Sunday. The accident at the racing track at 11 am Sunday killed six at the scene and three others at hospital.

Pathum Thani's police station commander, Pol Maj General Vitthaya Prayongphan said Governor Preecha Buttree has received the report about the deadly accident and has ordered the temporary closure of the racing field pending the results of the investigation.

Preecha also ordered the provincial commerce officer's staff to investigate the business registration of Bangkok Drag Avenue and the construction of  the racing field.

Search on for driver

Six people died instantly after they were crushed to death by the wayward car at the ring of the racing field while eleven others were injured and were rushed to four hospitals, but three of them later died.

Boonlerd Kongpha, 30, who witnessed the incident, told police that a racing car lost control merely 300 metres after the start. It hit the concrete barrier at the edge of the track, flew over and rammed into the crowd watching the race at the rim of the track, killing six instantly and severely injuring many others.

Pol MajGeneral Vitthaya said the forensic police would study the safety standard of the racing car and the safety for the audience.

Police are questioning the race organiser, while the driver, Tossapol Piemyai, who used a Nissan Cefiro car, fled after the accident. Police are now hunting for him.

The competition was organised by Goodyear Racing GMG Drag 2008, a special event held once a year for teenagers to race among themselves.