N.Z. man survives Bangkok crash

Press, 29 April 1980, Page 1

N.Z. man survives Bangkok crash

NZPA Bangkok A New Zealander was among the survivors of a domestic plane crash north of Bangkok on Sunday that killed 40 passengers and injured 13 others, officials said yesterday. He was identified as Bruce Gillespie, of Tauranga. He was said to be in good condition, as was Thoma Rene, of Switzerland, who also survived the crash. At least one American also survived. Mr Rene said he suffered only bruising round the eyes and had walked away after the Thai Airways Avro prop-jet nosedived into the ground. The plane was on a scheduled flight from Nakorn Phanom Province when

it crashed into a ricefield while approaching Bangkok's Don Muang Airport. It crashed about 2km from a main highway in muddy paddy fields making it difficult for vehicles to approach. Helicopters airlifted the injured to Bhumipol Hospital. The airline said 38 bodies were found at the crash site and two persons died later in hospital. Among the dead was the wife of the Privy Councillor, Dr Chao Nasilavant, who had gone to northeastern Thailand to invite seven monks to come to Bangkok. They were to perform religious ceremonies in connection with the thirtieth wedding anniversary on Monday of the King and Queen of Thai-

land. All seven monks died in the crash. A spokesman for the airline said today that it appeared that the aircraft, carrying 5.3 passengers and crew on board, lost control and plunged into the ground after it ran into turbulence. The spokesman said the airline will pay 400,000 baht ($NZ20,930) compensation for each passenger killed and 200,000 baht ($NZ10,465) for those injured in the crash. The crash was the worst suffered by the domestic airline for at least 20 years, officials said. It was the worst air disaster in Thailand since an Egyptian Boeing 707 crashed in December, 1976, killing 72.