Motorbike plunges into Chalong Bay after throttle reportedly sticks
A rider jumped from an accelerating motorbike at a Chalong pier before the vehicle went over a railing and sank in the bay.
A motorbike plunged into Chalong Bay on 20 August after its rider reportedly lost control when the throttle cable became stuck, prompting him to jump off at a small pier.
The incident happened at about 11:26am. CCTV from Kan Eng Restaurant at the pier showed the motorbike going over the railing and into the water. Apichart Fishing Tour, a rescuer at the pier, later posted the footage on Facebook as a warning to other road users.
According to eyewitnesses and the injured rider, the man was from another province and worked in Phuket. He had reportedly borrowed B100 from his mother to buy petrol for an old motorbike he planned to sell for scrap metal.
The account said the throttle malfunctioned while he was travelling from Chalong Circle, causing the motorbike to accelerate uncontrollably. The rider reportedly tried to signal traffic police officers for help, but his actions were misunderstood. He then shouted at other road users to move aside while trying to maintain control.
As the motorbike approached the pier, he jumped off, suffering injuries and abrasions. The rider was taken to Chalong Hospital by rescue personnel, while the motorbike continued over the railing and sank.
Witnesses travelling behind him helped after the incident. They said the rider remained calm and avoided pedestrians, preventing further injuries.
The submerged motorbike was marked with ropes to warn speedboats returning to the pier. Rescue personnel planned to retrieve it after the tide receded.
