Thai man seriously injured by motorcycle on Bangkok zebra crossing
A Thai man suffered serious injuries after a motorcycle rider hit him on a zebra crossing in Bangkok. The rider also sustained a leg injury.
CCTV footage of the accident, which occurred on September 19, was shared by several media outlets and Thai netizens. The victim, aged around 50, was seen waiting to cross the road from the footpath at a red zebra crossing on Watcharaphon Road.
Cars stopped for the man, so he walked quickly to the other side of the road. As he almost reached the other side, a motorcycle approached him at high speed and crashed directly into him, sending shockwaves through the other motorists.
Channel 3 reported that the impact of the crash threw the victim 10 metres away from the zebra crossing. He attempted to move but failed. The motorcycle rider, who also injured his leg, was able to get up and walk to the footpath.
Witnesses then called the rescue team, who arrived at the scene 10 minutes later and took the victim to hospital. The man reportedly suffered broken ribs and a ruptured spleen. The doctor performed urgent surgery to remove his damaged spleen but the man’s condition remains unstable.
A family member told Channel 3 that the man had just finished work and was on his way to pick up his wife and their child. He crossed the road intending to get a taxi to his family when he was hit.
The motorcycle rider admitted to his recklessness during questioning with Khanna Yao Police Station officers but insisted that he rode at a low speed about 60 kilometre per hour. He was charged with reckless driving and the penalty will be determined later, depending on the severity of the victim’s injuries.
The media reported that this was not the first incident at this zebra crossing. Others in the area have been injured at the spot many times before because there is no pedestrian light at the crossing.
The victim’s family urged other pedestrians to take this case as a warning to be more cautious when crossing the road. They also asked motorists to be more aware and considerate of pedestrians.