Phuket driver escapes injury as car slams into tree

PHUKET: A Phuket woman escaped serious injury late last night when her car slammed into a tree at high speed, ripping the engine from the vehicle and flinging it 50 meters from where the car came to rest.

Maj Kittiphum Tinthalang of the Thalang Police received a report of the accident, on Srisoonthorn Road in Baan Manik, in central Phuket, at about 11:30pm.

Officers arrived with Kusoldham Foundation rescue workers to find the wreck blocking one lane of the road.

“The car’s engine was about 50 meters away,” said Maj Kittiphum.

Nearby was the driver, Athittaya Boonruang from Cherng Talay.

“Her left shoulder was hurt, but she did not have any serious injuries,” Maj Kittiphum said.

Regardless, rescue workers took Ms Athittaya to Mission Hospital for further examination as a precaution, he added.

“I saw the car coming from Cherng Talay. It was travelling at high speed,” one eye-witness said.

“Suddenly the car seemed out of control and it crashed into the tree,” he added.

As Ms Athittaya was not drunk and there was no damage to other people’s property, she will not face any charges, Maj Kittiphum told the Phuket Gazette.

“However, we have taken photos as evidence and her car was taken to Thalang Police Station,” he added.

— Thawit Bilabdullar