Italian killed in head-on smash

KATHU: Italian Gian Piero Sala, 32, died when his motorbike was in a head-on collision with a pick-up truck on Wichit Songkram Rd early on Saturday morning. His Thai companion, who was riding pillion, was left in a coma. Pol Capt Kittipong Klaykaew, an inspector at Tung Tong Police Station, told the Gazette, “We rushed to the scene after receiving a call at about 7 am. Mr Sala was already dead and the Thai woman who was riding pillion was unconscious.” Capt Kittipong said that the couple were taken to Wachira Phuket Hospital, where the woman, who has yet to be identified, is still comatose. The driver of the pick-up, Suwit Mohchaona, who was returning from delivering ice in Patong, sustained only light injuries. Capt Kittipong said that K. Suwit posted bail on a charge of negligent driving, and would be called back for questioning when the woman has recovered enough to give more details about the accident.