Russian motorcyclist hit by runaway wheel dies in ICU

PHUKET: The Russian motorcyclist who was hit by a runaway wheel on Thepkrasattri Road on February 6 has died (story here).

Alexey Balabko, 26, had been in the ICU at Bangkok Phuket Hospital since February 7.

“He was taken off life support on February 12 because he was not responding to stimuli,” a hospital representative told the Phuket Gazette.

Mr Balabko was riding his “big bike” on Thepkrasattri road when two wheels came off a southbound 10-wheeled truck. One of the wheels struck Mr Balabko, breaking his arms and one of his legs, and knocking him unconscious.

He was initially taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital, but was transferred to the ICU at Bangkok Phuket Hospital the next morning. He was not responding to stimuli at that time of the transfer, reported Thalang Police Duty Officer Chatree Chuwichian.

— Orawin Narabal