The accident occurred at around 3:30am on Thepkrasattri Rd, in front of the Bangkok Bank Koh Kaew branch, inbound toward Phuket Town. Emergency services were alerted by the Narendhara Andaman 1669 Centre, prompting rescue workers from the Koh Kaew Subdistrict Administrative OrganiSation (OrBorTor) to rush to the scene.
Upon arrival, they found a white Toyota van, registered in Phuket, had crashed into an electric pole, snapping the pole and severely damaging the front of the vehicle. The van’s bumper had detached and the driver, identified as Phutiphong Skunphat, was trapped inside with injuries to both legs.
Rescuers from the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation were called in with cutting equipment and worked for about 30 minutes to safely extract Mr Phutiphong from the wreckage. He was given first aid at the scene before being rushed to Vachira Phuket Hospital for treatment.
A motorcyclist who witnessed the crash told police the van had been travelling at high speed before it struck the pole on a wide curve. The road was otherwise clear at the time.
Police believe the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel. Officers documented the scene for evidence and arranged for the van to be towed to Phuket City Police Station.
Mr Phutiphong is expected to face legal action for reckless driving and damage to government property. Local authorities have begun assessing the cost of repairing the damaged power pole.