PHUKET - A drunk Myanmar driver hit several motorcycles, killed two people and injured two others on the road to a waterfall in Thalang district, police said on Sunday.
The fatal accident occurred on the entry road to Ton Sai waterfall in tambon Thepkasattri about 7.30pm on Saturday.
The driver was identified as Aung Min Oo, 42. His black Suzuki pickup truck hit four Honda motorcycles riden by three men and a woman aged from 24-60 years.
Police said the pickup was leaving the waterfall when it first collided with the motorcycle of Thanawit Inkaeo, 24, who was riding towards the waterfall.
The pickup driver allegedly fled the scene, speeding off towards the centre of Thalang district. His escape dash lasted just 100 metres, during which he hit three more motorcycles that were stopped in front of a shop, and injured three more people, according to police.
Police photos showed the Suzuki had a reinforced front bumper.
Police called to the scene arrested the pickup driver, who appeared under the influence. A blood test showed an alcohol level of 239mcg/100ml. The legal maximum for driving is under 50.
Thanawit and a woman motorcyclist, Mariem, 45, succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead at Thalang Hospital at 9.40pm. Two other motorcyclists, men aged 36 and 60, were injured. They were identified by police only as Niran and Khanit.
