Phuketwan publishes these disturbing images of burns victims in the hope that it will lead others to drive with greater care. If you are troubled by graphic images, do not open the album

VICTIMS of a shocking Phuket road collision and fire are likely to be transported to Bangkok for treatment for severe and possibly life-threatening burns.

The crash on Monday afternoon on Phuket's Karon hill left onlookers horrified as flames consumed one vehicle before the drivers and their passengers could be rescued.

Fifteen people were taken to two hospitals, where nine victims are still being treated. Two are due to go home today.

The other seven are likely to need specialist treatment for severe burns in Bangkok. One woman suffered burns to 70 percent of her body; five others have burns to 50 percent of their bodies.

Most also have broken limbs and other injuries.

All nine were travelling in a small truck that collided with a large-cabin pickup, carrying four monks and two other men. Those six did not require admission to hospital.

Having initially been placed in both Vachira Hospital and Phuket International Hospital, the burns victims have all since been transferred to Vachira.

A spokesman for Series Scene System, the company that employed the Thai workers in the truck, said they were covered by insurance.

''We will transfer the patients to Bangkok as soon as possible for specialist treatment,'' he said. ''All of them are from Bangkok, so they will be closer to family and friends, too.''

The spokesman said all appeared to be out of danger but with burns, the chances of infection are always a risk until the wounds heal.

Years of treatment are required to keep limbs supple, and to restore the damaged skin.

One burns success story is Australian Robert Borland, a Phuket expat resident who was severely burned in the September 16, 2007 budget airline crash on Phuket.

Phuketwan supports Mothers or Motorcycles (MoM), an action group designed to improve road safety awareness and increase the number of people wearing motorcycle helmets.