PHUKET: A bus heading to Phuket International Airport to pick up tourist flipped and crashed on its side early today.
The driver, seriously injured, blamed heavy rain.
According to police, who plan to ask more questions, the bus was on its way to Phuket airport where it was to pick up a load of tourists from China for Pacific Holiday Thailand.
Driver Sittiporn Tippakdee, 24, said that the bus slid in heavy rain and tipped onto its side in Thepkasattri Road, Phuket's main north-south artery.
He was taken from the scene of the flip, near Phuket's SuperCheap store, to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket City.
Tourism industry observers recently warned that competition for the China mass-market is likely to force operators to reduce costs by hiring older buses.
Thepkasattri Road, where single-vehicle crashes are a frequent occurrence, was blocked across northbound lanes.
The driver, seriously injured, blamed heavy rain.
According to police, who plan to ask more questions, the bus was on its way to Phuket airport where it was to pick up a load of tourists from China for Pacific Holiday Thailand.
Driver Sittiporn Tippakdee, 24, said that the bus slid in heavy rain and tipped onto its side in Thepkasattri Road, Phuket's main north-south artery.
He was taken from the scene of the flip, near Phuket's SuperCheap store, to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket City.
Tourism industry observers recently warned that competition for the China mass-market is likely to force operators to reduce costs by hiring older buses.
Thepkasattri Road, where single-vehicle crashes are a frequent occurrence, was blocked across northbound lanes.
I wish the guy well, but I think inexperience and probably lack of bus driving skills caused it.
We are taught, you drive according to the road conditions in storms and such.
Posted by Tbs on August 21, 2012 08:10