Frenchman dies in road accident

CHALONG: Frenchman Jean Vidal, 39, was killed in a road accident on Chao Fa East Rd, near Soi Ta’iad Rd, in the early hours of February 9. Pol Capt Chana Sutthimas of Chalong Police Station told the Gazette today that he received an anonymous call about 2:30 am reporting an accident between a car and a motorcycle. When Capt Chana arrived at the scene, he said, he found a bronze-colored car with damage to the front. Mr Vidal was lying beside his motorbike on the road some 50 meters away. Mr Vidal was taken to Wachira hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. He had suffered severe injuries to his legs and chest. The driver of the car, Pol Cpl Prapan Chuikaew of Chalong Police Station, who was off duty at the time, was also taken to Wachira Phuket Hospital for treatment of broken bones in his hand. He was later charged with careless driving causing death. He was released yesterday on bail of 100,000 baht and went back to work. Capt Chana said, “Witnesses told us that Mr Vidal was driving from Chalong to Phuket Town while the car was driving in the opposite direction.” Mr Vidal, who was a sailor in the French Navy for 15 years, moved to Phuket five years ago, and lived in Rawai. He moved to Ao Makham six months ago. His mother and two sisters arrived on Friday for his cremation, which was held today at Wat Sawangarom, in Rawai. They will return home this Friday.