“We are proceeding with traffic charges as per the law. The driver has been charged with reckless driving causing injury and damage,” Lt Col Chonlathit told The Phuket News.
“No charges will be brought against the driver’s employer, which will instead be responsible for compensating those affected,” he added.
The truck driver, Sopak Honsoda, told police at the scene that the trucks’ brakes failed, causing the accident.
However, police have still chosen to still charge him with reckless driving.
“Officers inspected the vehicle and determined that it was indeed a brake leak, as the driver had claimed,” Lt Col Chonlathit said.
“However, legal action is still being taken because it was negligent to not check the vehicle before driving. Truck drivers already have strict regulations regarding this matter, and ultimately, it was considered negligent to have driven a vehicle with a brake leak on the road,” he explained.
Luckily, only three people suffered minor injuries in the pile-up. They suffered abrasions and chest tightness, and were taken to hospital for examination. All three were discharged the same day, with no fatalities reported.
Lt Col Chonlathit noted that, including passengers, around 15 people were directly affected by the incident, which saw the truck plough through a multitude of vehicles, while causing other vehicles to crash into each other.
Mr Sopak’s employer has been identified as the responsible party in civil terms, and has already contacted police to accept liability, Lt Col Chonlathit said.
“The company has expressed its readiness to cover repair costs, loss of use of vehicles and other restitution expenses for the victims. All people who had car damage and were involved have been contacted to record their claims. The employer has coordinated with us and confirmed they will take responsibility,” he explained.
A follow-up meeting between victims, police and the company has been scheduled for Sept 30 to confirm compensation arrangements.
Should negotiations fail, victims have the option of pursuing civil litigation to claim for damages through the courts.
Meanwhile, the Darasamut Underpass will close for repairs from 9pm tomorrow (Saturday, Sept 27) through to 7am Sunday (Sept 28).
The Phuket Highways Office said in its announcement that the repairs to barriers and other “crash-reducting equipment” will start at the Naka Intersection and continue to the northbound entrance to the underpass, in front of Wichit Songkhram School.