PHUKET — A drunk driver plowed into multiple vehicles and pedestrians in Phuket on Saturday, killing a French tourist and damaging at least nine vehicles before crashing into a light pole, police said.
The crash occurred around noon on Saturday in Muang district, when a Volvo sedan driven by a 51-year-old Thai man sideswiped several cars and motorcycles before speeding away and striking two more motorcycles and two pedestrians walking along the roadside, police said.
One of the pedestrians, identified as French tourist Loic Vincent Fontaine, later died at Vachira Phuket Hospital from severe injuries, police said.
Police identified the driver as Jattapol Koetphon, 51. Officers said he was driving under the influence of alcohol and initially fled the scene before his car crashed into a streetlight, preventing him from continuing.
Emergency responders and traffic police rushed to the scene to assist the injured and clear the area.
Police said the suspect has been charged with drunk driving causing death, damaging property and fleeing the scene of an accident without taking responsibility.
The investigation is ongoing.