Motorcycle runs red light in Khon Kaen, fatal crash ensues

A tragic accident occurred at a busy intersection in Khon Kaen, where a motorcycle ran a red light and was struck by a taxi, resulting in one fatality and serious injuries to the pillion rider. The incident was captured on CCTV.

At 10am today, August 5, footage from a CCTV camera installed at the Pratu Mueang intersection in Khon Kaen municipality revealed a motorcycle running a red light and heading into the city. A taxi travelling on Mittraphap Road, following the green light, collided with the motorcycle, causing significant injuries and fatalities amidst the shock of numerous onlookers waiting at the traffic signal.

The accident resulted in the death of 40 year old Paijit, who was driving the motorcycle, while the 33 year old passenger, Phobek, sustained severe injuries. Emergency responders and police arrived promptly at the scene.

The motorcycle, a Honda Zoomer-X with a Bangkok registration, was found heavily damaged on the roadside. The taxi involved, a blue-and-yellow vehicle registered in Khon Kaen, had significant front-end damage. Its 53 year old driver, Yupaporn, was present at the scene.

Yupaporn recounted the event, stating she was driving normally along Mittraphap Road from Ban Phai district towards Udon Thani. Upon receiving the green light at the intersection, she proceeded as usual. Suddenly, the motorcycle, driven by Paijit with Phobek as the passenger, sped through the red light from Si Chan Road, heading towards Khon Kaen Ram Hospital, leading to the collision.

Further investigation

Police Colonel Yosawat Kaeosuebthannit confirmed that police officers had seized both the taxi and the motorcycle for further investigation. The deceased has been taken to Srinagarind Hospital’s forensic department, awaiting family retrieval for funeral rites. Legal proceedings will continue as per protocol.

A 47 year old eyewitness, Ekachai, who sells garlands at the intersection, shared his perspective.

“I didn’t see the moment of the crash, but I heard a loud noise and turned to see two men lying injured on the road. The motorcycle driver was already deceased, and the passenger was severely injured.”

He noted that the traffic light for vehicles coming from Pratu Mueang on Si Chan Road was red when the motorcycle ran through it. The taxi, travelling from Ban Phai, was moving at a normal speed and had a green light, which was not even blinking, indicating that the motorcycle had indeed violated the traffic signal.

Ekachai added that while minor accidents occasionally occur at this intersection, they are typically not severe. This incident, however, was particularly tragic due to the clear violation of the traffic signals by the motorcycle, leading to such a devastating result.

The footage and eyewitness accounts paint a clear picture of the sequence of events, emphasizing the importance of adhering to traffic signals to prevent such tragedies. The investigation will continue to determine any further legal actions required following the incident, reported KhaoSod.