Wrong-way Yaris crashes into saleng in Phuket Town, injuring vendor

A Toyota Yaris travelling against traffic crashed head-on into a motorcycle sidecar in Phuket Town on Thursday morning, injuring a 56-year-old vendor and damaging four vehicles, police said.

The collision happened at about 10:44am on Soi Loarong off Pattana Rd in Talad Nuea. Police and rescue workers found a white Toyota Yaris with Bangkok licence plates, a damaged saleng and two other vehicles that had also been hit.

The injured vendor, Wannaporn Siangaek, suffered a broken leg. She received emergency treatment at the scene before being taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

Phuket City Police Chief Pol Col Chatree Chukaew said investigators found that the Yaris had been travelling against the flow of traffic before colliding with the sidecar motorcycle. A dashcam video recorded by a black sedan involved in the crash later appeared online, showing the Yaris driving the wrong way before crashing into the saleng and alarming other motorists nearby.

Police said four vehicles were damaged in the incident: the Toyota Yaris, the motorcycle sidecar and two other cars.

Initial findings identified the driver of the Yaris only as Nattee. Police believe he was travelling at speed when he lost control, veered into the motorcycle lane and struck Ms Wannaporn’s samlor before hitting other vehicles.

During questioning, the driver told officers that he had stepped on the accelerator and the car suddenly lurched forward, causing him to lose control, Pol Col Chatree said.

Police said alcohol and drug tests on the driver were negative. Investigators have not yet determined the exact cause of the crash and are continuing to gather evidence, including whether mobile phone use, an overtaking manoeuvre or other factors contributed.

A preliminary charge of reckless driving has been filed against the driver. Police said further legal action will depend on the results of the ongoing investigation.