Phuket teen swerves to avoid car making u-turn, dies in crash

PHUKET: A 16-year-old speeding south on Thepkrasattri Road last night died after he swerved to avoid a car and hit a metal pole instead.

Witnesses told police that Sakarat Muaenparn was riding his motorbike at high speed in the motorbike lane when a car made a u-turn south of the PTT station, said Thalang Police officer Chatree Chuwichian.

The car turned in a wide arc, and Mr Sakarat, trying to avoid it, lost control of his motorbike and collided with the pole.

Mr Sakarat received a serious head injury, and the force of the crash totalled his motorbike.

Kusoldharm Rescue Workers and police were called to the scene at 8:30pm and found Mr Sakarat lying on the grass by the side of the road, not far from his motorbike.

“The medical staff at Thalang hospital tried their best to resuscitate him for about an hour, but he was pronounced dead at 9:45pm,” said Lt Chatree.

Witnesses could not remember the type or license number of the car that made the u-turn. Police said they are not searching for the vehicle or its driver.

— Thawit Bilabdullar