Man dies after being thrown from pickup on Phuket bridge

A 20-year-old man died after being thrown from the cargo bed of a pickup truck when a tyre burst on Thepsrison Bridge in Phuket Town, according to an initial police report.

Rapeephat Wichai was riding in the back of the vehicle when the incident occurred at about 12:50am on the bridge, also known as Koh Phee Bridge, in Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket. Police said the driver lost control after the tyre burst.

Police and Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation rescue workers found Mr Rapeephat lying face down with a severe chest wound. A preliminary examination found a laceration about 15 centimetres long that penetrated his chest and damaged internal organs. His body was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

Pol Lt Urasaya Daengtako, an inquiry officer at Phuket City Police Station, attended the scene with a forensic physician. Police Col Chatree Chukaew, the station superintendent, was informed. The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation.