Three injured as van parked on Phuket bridge hit by passing car
A chartered van full of Buddhist merit makers was hit by another vehicle on a Phuket bridge, injuring two passengers and hurling the van’s driver into the sea.
Police said the accident happened at 7:30am on Saturday after the driver had parked on the outbound lane of the Sri Sunthorn bridge linking Phuket and Phang Nga.
The van, driven by Mana Thaweesupchusri, was chartered by 10 people who wanted to make merit in Buddhist temples outside Phuket.
Police said when the van arrived at the bridge, Mana parked and allowed the passengers to get out to take photographs. While they were taking photos in front of the van, a BMW crashed into its rear, hitting Mana and two of the passengers.
The impact sent Mana flying into the sea about 20 metres below. Fortunately, residents rescued him with a long-tailed boat.
Mana and the two injured passengers – Dararat Nanthakijwibul, 63, and Supamas Kampiranon, 62 – were rushed to nearby hospitals.
Police said parking was banned on the bridge because of to several similar accidents. They said the van driver would face charges.
