Cement mixer truck crashes through Kata intersection, seriously injuring taxi driver

A cement mixer truck crashed through an intersection on Kata Noi Road in Karon at about 1:30pm, seriously injuring an electric taxi driver, police said.

Karon Police said CCTV footage showed the Phuket-registered cement truck descending the steep road from Rawai into Kata Noi when it struck the rear of a green electric taxi that was waiting for traffic to pass.

Police said the impact pushed the taxi into a Haad Thip soft drink delivery truck registered in Songkhla, which was travelling across the intersection toward Kata Noi Beach. The cement mixer then also hit the back of the soft drink truck as it continued uncontrolled through the intersection.

The truck stopped only after crashing into a wall at the bottom of the hill. Police said it somehow did not hit any passing motorbikes.

Karon Police, rescue workers from the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation and ambulances from Chalong Hospital responded to the scene to assist the injured and clear the road.

Police identified the cement mixer driver as Alisol Langyanai. The EV taxi driver, Sampan Kaewchang, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Chalong Hospital for treatment.

Another injured person, Bang-on Suriyong, an employee at a nearby massage shop, suffered minor injuries.

Police said the crash also damaged vehicles at the scene and the nearby Red Lobster restaurant, where the cement truck came to a halt.

Investigators led by Pol Lt Col Narutphon Kaewlae are continuing to examine the cause of the crash. Initial findings indicate the truck may have suffered brake failure while descending the hill, though officers are also investigating whether reckless driving contributed to the incident.

Karon Police chief Pol Col Pathapi Srichai said further legal proceedings and technical inspections of the truck will follow.