Driver flees scene of lethal Phuket crash

PHUKET: The driver of a pickup truck fled the scene of a fatal crash with a motorcycle on Phuket’s west coast early this morning.

The accident, involving a Honda Wave motorbike and an Isuzu D-Max, occurred near a Chinese cemetery on Srisoonthorn Road between Cherng Talay and Bang Tao at 3:30am.

The motorcycle was found 15 meters from the truck, which had flipped onto its side.

Phan Khunpetch, a 58-year-old resident of Patong, was found dead at the scene with a broken neck, broken legs and wounds to both sides of his face.

Evidence suggested that he had been carried and dragged for more than 20 meters by the truck.

After inspecting the scene of the accident, Lt Col Sarit Boonnongsaeng of the Cherng Talay Police ordered rescue volunteers to take Mr Phan’s body to Thalang Hospital for identification.

Fleeing the scene of a road accident is a common occurrence in Thailand but is nevertheless treated as a serious crime in instances in which a fatality is involved.

— Wichai Witthawat