UPDATE: Phuket delivery rider dies after motorcycle falls into uncovered drain in Wichit

A 19-year-old food-delivery rider died after his motorcycle fell into an uncovered roadside drain in Wichit, Phuket, police said.

The crash occurred at about 10.30am on 1 September 2026 on Chao Fah West Road, outside King Power Phuket in Moo 2, Wichit, Mueang Phuket, according to Wichit Police.

The Phuket News, citing Wichit Police, identified the victim as Theepat Paensong. An earlier report gave his first name as Teerapat. The reports do not establish whether the difference is a transliteration discrepancy or a correction.

He was riding a blue Honda Wave 110 towards the Naka Shrine intersection when he reached a section where a drainage pipe was being installed. Police said the road section was under construction, with uncovered drain openings and no physical separators to keep vehicles away from the drainage works.

Nearby CCTV footage appeared to show the motorcycle hitting an uncovered drain opening. The bike overturned several times and the rider was thrown onto the road, suffering serious injuries. Rescue workers took him to nearby Dibuk Hospital, where he later died from injuries sustained in the crash.

Wichit Police chief Pol Col Somsak Thongkliang said officers were preparing to summon the contractor responsible for the drainage work for questioning. Police have not announced charges. If investigators find that the contractor was negligent in leaving the drain uncovered, police may pursue a charge of negligence causing death.