Russian tourists injured in Phuket head-on van crash

PHUKET: Two Russian tourists were injured in a head-on collision that caused long tailbacks on the coastal road north of Patong late Saturday night.

Tuii Bulatovskii and Lrina Alexeemko, both 29, suffered minor injuries when a black Chevrolet driven by Pramot Suthipithak, 36, crossed the center line and slammed head-on into the van they were in at about 11pm.

The van driver, Panya Srikotcha, 47, suffered serious chest injuries in the impact, reported Lt Prasert Thongprom of the Kamala Police.

“Rescue workers at the scene rushed all three to Patong Hospital,” he added.

Mr Pramot told police that he was driving back from Nakhon Sri Thammarat when the accident happened.

“He admitted that he had been talking with friends on his phone,” Lt Prasert told the Phuket Gazette.

“However, his battery was low, so he reached for his phone charger. That was when he lost control of his vehicle and slammed into the van.”

Mr Pramot, who escaped serious injury, was taken to Kamala Police Station and his car was impounded as evidence.

“He was charged with careless driving and causing damage to private property,” Lt Prasert said.

The accident occurred on the same hill where the car driven by Tantima Thaworn, 37, struck a tour bus carrying 37 Russian tourists on December 30, causing the bus to careen off the road and roll to a stop (story here).

Ms Tantima died from her injuries on January 1 (story here).

— Thawit Bilabdullar