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A SuperCheap truck topples two power poles, blocking a lane on Patong Hill

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SuperCheap Truck Crash Delivers SuperChaos on Phuket's Patong Hill

By Chutima Sidasathian

Saturday, December 20, 2014

PHUKET: Huge traffic jams crammed Phuket's Patong Hill today after a SuperCheap truck demolished two power poles, severing electricity to nearby residents as it crashed off the road.

Police warned it could be this afternoon before a blocked lane is cleared and allows vehicles to flow normally again. Alternative routes should be taken going both ways over the hill.

The SuperCheap truck toppled the poles about 1.30am, plunging the surrounding area into darkness and chaos.

''The driver and his friend were fortunate that the broken live line did not hit the truck or they would have been sizzled,'' a policeman from Thung Thong Police Station said.

The Phuket Provincial Electric Authority brought alternative power to some residents early today and was planning to present a bill for restoring the poles to SuperCheap.

SuperCheap trucks are notorious for crashing - often in single-vehicle smashes.

The Land Transport Department s likely to be asked to enforce driving laws on SuperCheap and its drivers. The brand has a reputation for cutting costs by every possible means.

Comments

Comments have been disabled for this article.

Thanks Supercheap for taking out my power last night - idiotic drivers again crashing the SC trucks

Congrats and huge thanks to the electric company for restoring the power in less than an hour though. Great response in the middle of the night - fantastic service given the damage done.

Posted by Amazing Thailand on December 20, 2014 08:27

Was this tuck checked by proper technical authorities that it was able to go safe over Patong Hill?
Has the driver (valid) truck driver license? Was the driver tested on alcohol and drugs? Was the driver not 'over worked'? Trucks/busses bound for Patong Hil should have monthly quick inspections, than issued a 'Patong Hill Certificate'. No certificate, no passage Patong Hill. Here is a good job to do for the car insurances! It can safe car insurances a lot of money! The amounts insurances must pay now weekly for Patong Hill accidents must be enormous!

Posted by Kurt on December 20, 2014 10:08

@ Kurt. I support your plans. Let us ad it to our Dream list.

Posted by phuketgreed on December 20, 2014 10:29

Yes, as money speaks very much at any level in Thai society, I do not understand why car/truck/buss insurances not have 'accident rules' for Patong Hill, as to avoid payments after accidents. They should have accident staff who check on accidents.Valid- and correct bus/truck drivers lincense, how many hours the driver drove, Let the driver do IMMIDIATELY alcohol & drug test. Patong Hill Safety certificate vehicle, less than 30 days old. I am sure insurance companies can safe a lot of money. Ownwers of busses and trucks start than to think twice about their vehicle operations when they have to pay themselve a Patong Hill crash. Money speak more than a 'non enforced police rule'. ( Patong Hill check at Kathu checkpoint)

Posted by Kurt on December 20, 2014 11:35

'SuperCheap trucks are notorious for crashing'- as are taxis, minibuses, other trucks, etc. You do seem to have a bit of a bee in your bonnet singling out Supercheap. Proportionally they probably have no more accidents than other companies.

There was a vehicle accident outside my place today- should I say all Toyotas and motorbikes are notorious for crashing?

Posted by Mister Ree on December 20, 2014 12:23

Editor Comment:

I think you'll find, MR, that there is no bee in our bonnet. However, there are plenty of SuperCheap vehicles in crashes.

October 2014: A SuperCheap truck that clipped the rear of a pickup on a central Phuket road today and caused a serious crash was being driven by an unlicenced Burmese, say police.

August 2014: After one of its grimmest days on the roads, Phuket authorities are likely to be looking at whether enough is being done for road safety. Two SuperCheap trucks were in crashes.

Four crashes in five months, and possibly more unreported? ''Proportionally they probably have no more accidents than other companies.''

Your constant desire to criticise PW without reason or research shows a mind not really in gear and going downhill far too fast.

Supercheap drivers mean lots of crashes! When is Thailand going to have stricter driving tests? A baby of 5 years old could pass the driving test here blindfolded! This is why there are soooo many crashes here! Doh!! Wake up Thailand and do something to deal with the problem, death by stupidity is not viable!

Posted by Mr Wolf on December 20, 2014 13:27

Four crashes in five months, and possibly more unreported? " is this not guesswork ? heard that it add no value .... anyway.. agree with u anyway .

Posted by frog on December 20, 2014 13:31

.."Proportionally they probably have no more accidents than other companies."

You seem to like speculating a lot Mister Ree..which has little intrinsic value.. ditto for ad hominum attacks on the editor..

May I suggest you should consider posting when not hungover?

It seems you may be posting when in a very crappy mood, which may not be ideal to suit your real personality..

signed,
2 wrongs don't make a right

Posted by farang888 on December 20, 2014 22:59