Kusoldharm rescue workers were called to the scene of the accident, in front of PTT gas station on Phoonpol Rd, at 4am.
They found a Mazda pickup with a crumpled front and the driver, later identified as Seksit Srianan, 22, unconscious still trapped inside.
Rescue workers took 25 minutes using “jaws of life” hydraulic cutters to free him before speeding him to Vachira Phuket Hospital with severe chest injuries.
Further down the road was a pickup with a damaged rear end.
The driver, Chutimon Pakmaetri, told police that she and her boyfriend were leaving Phuket Town “after dinner” when the Mazda slammed into the back of their vehicle.
“According to Ms Chutimon, she was travelling at only 50kmh and the force of the impact shoved her vehicle to the other side of the road. She said it was lucky her car did not hit the light pylon,” said Lt Chaiwat Makkaew of the Phuket City Police.
“Witnesses said they saw two vehicles racing down the road. The Mazda was in the left lane and another unidentified car was on the right,” he added.
“Both vehicles were moving at high speed. The Mazda failed to slow down and slammed to the back of Ms Chutimon’s pick up before crashing over the central reservation and into the tree, while the car kept going.”
Lt Chaiwat said police were continuing their investigation and waiting for Seksit to recover enough for questioning.