Tanker truck driver killed in high-speed wipeout
THE DRIVER OF A tanker truck died on Tuesday morning (Jan 24) after a car suddenly changing lanes struck the truck on its back left wheels.
The impact sent the truck swerving out of control and flipping onto its side before slamming into a power pole beside the entrance to the new Shell petrol station on Wiset Rd in Baan Bang Konthi in Rawai.
According to local CCTV provided by Rawai Mayor Aroon Soros, the accident occurred at 11:35am.
The truck, moving at high speed westbound towards Kata Hill, narrowly missed a motorbike entering the petrol station, as the pole had diverted it from wiping out the motorbike rider.
The driver of the truck, Nikorn Turaphon, 31, suffered critical injuries and was pronounced dead at Vachira Phuket Hospital, said Lt Col Techin of the Chalong Police.
The driver of the white sedan that struck the truck, Rungrueng Jumpathomg, 50, suffered minor injuries in the collision, he added.
At the time of going to press, police had yet to charge Rungrueng for dangerously changing lanes.
Lt Col Techin said that police were waiting to conclude their investigation.
“Preliminary discussions have not been made to the family of the deceased. I have only talked to Mr Nikorn’s employer,” he said. “Both sides are expected
to be called in for questioning as soon as possible, but it also depends on the readiness of both sides,” Lt Col Techin added.
The talks were expected to be held on Tuesday (Jan 25).
“It is expected to be an offence of reckless driving causing death and causing property damage,” Lt Col Techin noted.