Three seriously injured when two tuk-tuks collided in alleged race in Bangkok

BANGKOK – Three people were seriously injured when two tuk-tuks crashed while allegedly racing on a Bangkok road. One vehicle flipped over, leaving its driver with a severe head injury. The police are investigating and awaiting blood alcohol test results.

The police said three people were seriously injured when two speeding tuk-tuks collided on a Bangkok street late on the night of March 3.

Police Lieutenant-Colonel Thiradej Sonklin, an inspector at Bang Phong Phang Police Station, stated that the accident occurred at around 10pm on March 3 in Ratchadaphisek Road in Chong Nonsi sub-district, Yannawa district.

Eyewitnesses, who are residents of the area, reported that the two tuk-tuks appeared to be racing, each trying to overtake the other.

According to the witnesses, one of the tuk-tuks attempted to change lanes while overtaking on the right, causing it to be hit by the other vehicle and flip over.

The driver of the overturned tuk-tuk, identified as 28-year-old Pichit, sustained a severe head injury, including a deep cut, and was rushed to a nearby hospital.

The driver of the other tuk-tuk and his passenger both suffered broken legs.

Lt-Col Thiradej said the police are still investigating the reason behind the apparent race and are awaiting the results of blood alcohol tests for all three individuals.

Tuk-tuks, also known as auto-rickshaws, are an iconic form of transport in Bangkok. They are especially popular among foreign tourists due to their open-air design, which offers passengers a clear view of their surroundings.

Known for their manoeuvrability, they can easily navigate congested streets and narrow alleyways. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK