While attempting to flee a minor car accident he caused, an Australian expat crashed his pickup truck into a motorcycle and killed two riders yesterday in Udon Thani.
The 55-year-old foreigner, only identified as Jack, told police he felt drowsy after taking some medication, and therefore grazed a taxi and public bus outside Central shopping mall.
In a panic, the foreigner tried to flee the scene and was chased by police. Unexpectedly, he got into another accident, this time crashing into a motorbike carrying three passengers at a curve on the road leading to the city shrine, Sanook reported.
A woman identified as Pranee Kusumarn, 50, died instantly while her 15-year-old nephew was in critical condition. Rescue volunteers sent him to the Udon Thani hospital, but he, too, was pronounced dead shortly after.
Pranee’s 11-year-old son, who was also on the bike, survived but was seriously injured.
The Aussie was found by police, crying inside his truck.
The foreigner said he was married to a Thai woman in Udon Thani. Because he suffers from mental illness, he was prescribed medication and was, in fact, visiting the clinic right before the accident occurred.
Police brought the expat to the side of the road and calmed him down. He was tested for alcohol and will be prosecuted.
