Thai driver cites health issue after killing 6 year old boy in Bangkok
A Thai man blamed a health issue after crashing his SUV into a motorcycle carrying a man and his six year old son, resulting in the boy’s death yesterday, January 9, on a road in the Saimai area of Bangkok.
A motorcyclist riding behind the black Mitsubishi Pajero SUV managed to capture the fatal accident on a livestream video. The SUV was seen veering into the footpath on the left side of Sukhaphiban 5 Road before colliding with the motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, 55 year old Chumphon, suffered severe injuries as he was dragged along the road for several metres. His six year old son was also critically injured and later died in hospital.
The SUV driver, identified as 55 year old Yingsak, continued driving after the collision. Witnesses and other motorists eventually stopped him 3 kilometres from the scene. Both left tyres of the vehicle had burst. Police conducted an alcohol test, which returned a negative result.
Yingsak told police that he worked at a garage and was tasked by his employer to deliver the SUV to a client. He claimed that he was suddenly affected by a health problem, causing him to lose control of the vehicle and crash into the footpath. He stated that he then lost consciousness and could not recall the moment he hit the motorcycle.
However, police intend to send Yingsak to a hospital for further alcohol blood tests to determine whether any residual alcohol from prior consumption remains in his system.
Investigating police officers have requested that Yingsak’s family provide medical evidence to substantiate his claim of a congenital condition. The suspect remains in police custody but charges and penalties have yet to be formally issued.
Based on a similar case reported previously, Yingsak may be charged under Section 291 of the Criminal Law for negligence causing death. The penalty for this offence is imprisonment for up to 10 years and a fine of up to 200,000 baht.
In a related story in December, a seven year old Thai boy was killed when he crossed a road while playing with a kite in the Isaan province of Buriram. The tractor driver ran the vehicle over the boy, saying he did not see him.
Another Thai teenage girl was killed in a road accident in the Isaan province of Udon Thani in the same month. A hatchback crashed into her motorcycle, and 400 meth pills were found in the vehicle.
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