PHUKET'S notorious Patong Hill road was blocked by an out-of-control bus around 7.30pm tonight.
A Phuketwan reader said it appeared the bus had been heading towards Phuket City from Patong and then gone backwards, swinging side-on to almost block the traffic going both ways.
A motorcycle protruded from under the rear of the bus. The reader reported that traffic was backed up heavily in both directions.
Police confirmed that the bus had had a brake problem. An officer said two motorcycles were damaged but nobody was injured.
Only the driver was on board the bus.
The incident took place on the incline above where the local authority has just installed a new water tunnel following a series of holes in the road attributed to fast-flowing water beneath the surface.
Problems with heavy vehicles failing to be able to make either the ascent or the descent are a regular fixture of the Phuket City-Patong Hill road, especially in bad weather.
Phuket Runaway Bus Leaves Trail of DestructionA Phuketwan reader said it appeared the bus had been heading towards Phuket City from Patong and then gone backwards, swinging side-on to almost block the traffic going both ways.
A motorcycle protruded from under the rear of the bus. The reader reported that traffic was backed up heavily in both directions.
Police confirmed that the bus had had a brake problem. An officer said two motorcycles were damaged but nobody was injured.
Only the driver was on board the bus.
The incident took place on the incline above where the local authority has just installed a new water tunnel following a series of holes in the road attributed to fast-flowing water beneath the surface.
Problems with heavy vehicles failing to be able to make either the ascent or the descent are a regular fixture of the Phuket City-Patong Hill road, especially in bad weather.
A tour bus ploughs down Patong Hill, collecting a series of other vehicles on its runaway plunge. Fortunately nobody was seriously injured.
Phuket Runaway Bus Leaves Trail of Destruction
Phuket Landslip Closes Lanes over Patong Hill
Traffic Alert Emergency workers were attempting to clear the road over Patong Hill between the coastal resort and Phuket City after a landslip partially blocked the route.
Phuket Landslip Closes Lanes over Patong Hill
Phuket's Holey Hill Gains a Rainwater 'Tunnel'
Breaking News It used to be literally 'breaking' news when the holes suddenly appeared, but now Patong Hill is being given a tunnel that will funnel off the excessive rainwater. Problem solved?
Phuket's Holey Hill Gains a Rainwater 'Tunnel'
Phuket Storm Causes Flooding, Traffic Snarls
Photo Album Flooding in Patong brought traffic to a halt today in the midst of a downpour that also struck Phuket City. An ambulance parked waiting at the top of Patong Hill.
Phuket Storm Causes Flooding, Traffic Snarls
Patong Residents March: 'We Need The Tunnel'
Photo Album About 100 Patong people marched in a strong appeal for a tunnel through Patong Hill. The tunnel, controversial and costly, is the topic at a 'town hall' meeting.
Patong Residents March: 'We Need The Tunnel'
Yes, Patong Hill in the first rain after some time is more like surfing on soap when you have to brake.
Posted by Lena on July 23, 2010 23:28