Kanchanaburi: reckless driver slams into cyclists

[buksida]

A cyclist has been killed and three others severely injured by a driver who reportedly raced with another car on the highway in Kanchanaburi province.

The incident took place at a roadside in Tamaka district, where one cyclist was found dead at the scene, while three other cyclists laid on the ground with their injuries 200 metres away. The police also found a pick-up truck which has smashed into the wall of a nearby factory.

The truck driver was not present at the crime scene, police said.

The deceased was later identified as as Mr. Phonsak Sawaengwutthipan, 51, a resident of Pra Samut Chedi district, Samut Prakarn province. He is also a deputy president of a runner and cyclist club which regularly organises charity events, police said

Initial post-mortem investigation revealed Mr. Phonsak suffered broken neck, arms and legs. His body was also nearly torn apart by the impact of the car crash.

Prior to the incident, Mr. Phonsak and 1,000 other athletes have joined a triathlon ′mini marathon′ organised by Kasetsart University. The competitors were set to cycle, run, and walk from the university′s Kampangsaen Campus to Tamaka district before returning to the university, in a total distance of 57 kilometres.

Witnesses told police that as the convoy of athletes was cycling along the road, two pick-up trucks recklessly raced each other and approached the convoy. A 10-wheel truck suddenly appeared on the other lane, witnesses said, causing one of the pick-up truck to divert quickly, but the driver reportedly lost control and hit into the group of cyclists, before crashed into a factory.

The driver fled the scene amid the confusion, police said.

It is suspected that the pick-up truck driver works for a TV satellite company after police found satellite installation equipment inside the truck. The police vowed to locate and apprehend the suspect as soon as possible.

Source: Khaosod

[PeteC]

You had a photo of a Thai with a very well equipped bicycle in your Ban Krut photo set. I hope that's not where he was headed. Sad regardless and once again caused by ignorance and no common sense.