Petrol tanker driver escapes death in crash with power pole

PHUKET: A man escaped almost certain death early this morning after his petrol tanker crashed into a car and then slammed into a high-voltage power pole, causing a fire and cutting the electricity supply for all of Phang Nga Town.

“At Fai Tha junction in Phang Nga Town we found a six-wheeled petrol tanker on its side. It had slammed into and downed a power pole, before bursting into flames,” said Lt Sophon Powchoo of Phang Nga City Police.

Police and rescue workers arrived at the scene at about 6:30am and it took firefighters about one hour to douse the flames, he added.

Lt Sophon explained that the truck driver, 42-year-old Peerapong Moomwongto, was driving from Phang Nga Town to Noppring subdistrict when he crashed into a car driven by Wiwathani Auilui, 39, who was turning right onto the main road from a side street.

“Ms Wiwathani’s car went flying back to the right-hand side of the road and the truck slammed into a power pole on the left,” said Lt Sophon.

Mr Peerapong managed to escape the truck with minor burns, and was taken to Phang Nga Hospital. Ms Wiwathani received first aid for minor cuts and bruises at the scene.

As the investigation is ongoing, no charges have been pressed, confirmed Lt Sophon.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong