English resident killed in bike crash

PATONG: An English resident of Phuket died in a motorcycle accident at the intersection of Thaweewong Rd and Phrabaramee Rd early on Saturday morning. Pol Maj Pisit Cheanpeth of Kathu Police Station told the Gazette that at around 2.30 am, the man, whom he named as 27-year-old Robert William Mark McCartney, ran into a light pole on the road from Patong to Kalim. Pol Maj Pisit told the Gazette, “I understand that the bike clipped a light pole at the edge of the road. The driver was thrown from the motorcycle and his head hit a wooden fence.” When police arrived at the scene, they found Mr McCartney’s body close to the pole. He is believed to have died instantly from a broken neck and severe head injuries. The motorcycle was about 20 meters away. “Witnesses working nearby told me that they heard the sound of a motorbike being driven very fast,” Maj Pisit added. Mr McCartney worked with a tour company in Soi Sansabai, in Patong. His body was taken to the morgue at Thalang Hospital to await collection by relatives.