(Read the earlier story here.)
This time a Thai man riding a motorbike from Central Festival towards Tesco Lotus slammed into a pick-up truck turning from the opposite direction Bang Yai Rd.
The motorbike rider, who was not named by police, was taken to the Mission Hospital with an injured shoulder.
Pick up driver Boonsong Laling, “I was almost into Bang Yai Rd when the motorbike smashed to me. It was shocking. It’s hard [getting across the traffic at this turning] but I had no choice.”
Sataporn Sornsana, Chief of the Phuket Highways Office told The Phuket News, “The turnoff [into Bang Yai Rd] was opened up by Italian-Thai construction company to ease the traffic at the Central Festival intersection [where it is building an underpass].
“It’s very dangerous. I will be talking with Italian-Thai tomorrow about opening more U-turns.
“In the meantime, all drivers should be more considerate when approaching the intersection.”
The superintendent of Vichit Police Station, Pol Col Chawalit Phetsipear, told The Phuket News, “Our officers are usually at the intersection in the morning and evening rush hour to direct traffic.
“I will coordinate with the Highways Department to work out something, such as putting up signs to make drivers more aware of the dangers of this intersection.”