Drunk American flees horror crash leaving British family shattered in Thailand
A drunk American man is on the run after a horror smash left a British family of three hospitalized in Thailand. The British man fears unless the fugitive is brought to justice he will continue to drink and drive and cause mayhem after showing no remorse after the crash.
Thai police are actively pursuing the American, who is accused of crashing into a British family, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, while riding a motorcycle in Koh Chang, Thailand.
Gregory Yamada, the American involved, collided with the British couple and their four year old daughter during what was supposed to be a dream family holiday, leaving them with critical injuries.
According to the British father, the driver appeared to be still heavily intoxicated and displayed no remorse following the collision.
His 40 year old wife was rendered unconscious in the harrowing crash, sustaining severe injuries to her head and body. Their daughter suffered injuries to her eyes, face, and body upon being flung into the air, along with a sinus fracture from the impact on her face.
The family, who were enjoying a holiday in Thailand, were walking along a footpath on the island of Koh Chang when they were struck by the 39 year old American, from San Jose, California. It is alleged that Yamada was four times over the legal alcohol limit at the time of the incident.
Yamada was driving a potent Honda motorcycle and has been charged with “driving while intoxicated, causing a collision resulting in injuries to others.” The Thai authorities have since issued an arrest warrant for him, suspecting that he has fled across the border to Cambodia.
The 36 year old British father disclosed that they have since returned to the UK following the January crash but are still undergoing medical treatment.
“The injuries my partner and daughter suffered were horrific. From what I witnessed, they are lucky to still be alive.
“At the hospital on the night of the crash, he was evidently still very drunk and denied any involvement. I could not believe it.
“There was no sign of accountability or remorse. Unless he is brought to justice, I fear he could do the same thing again.
“We love Koh Chang and the people there. We come as often as we can and have saved up all year for our holiday, but this experience completely ruined things for us just a few days into our trip.
“I was informed that the suspect is an expat and owns a business in Koh Chang, so somebody may know his whereabouts. My priority is to get my family well and see him face justice.”
The holiday set them back approximately £5,000 (230,000 baht) for a 25-day getaway, yet the tragic crash occurred within just a few days.
According to a police report, officers arrived at the scene a mere 15 minutes after the incident, which occurred shortly before 8pm, and subsequently transported all four individuals to the hospital.
Yamada was scheduled to appear in court but failed to attend, reported The Sun.
However, the arrest warrant issued for Yamada stated that police had “reasonable suspicion that the suspect will flee.”
If he returns to Thailand, is apprehended, and found guilty in court, he could potentially face a minimum of three years in prison. The maximum penalty in the country for causing injury while driving under the influence is up to six years imprisonment, coupled with a fine exceeding £2,600, said Police Lieutenant Chotisiri from Koh Chang police station.
“The suspect was arrested and charged with drunk driving causing the crash. The details of the case were given to the court and he was due to appear there.
“There are no other suspects in the case and all of the evidence was given to the court.”
