The accident occurred at 3:10pm, when a van traveling at high speed from Kathu collided with the motorbike driven by the Nigerian, reported by Bangkok Hospital Siriroj to have been a tourist.
Dashcam footage shared by Facebook user Chawalit Mueaibut captured the incident. The motorbike, heading northbound along the bypass road, ran a red light before being struck by the van. The force of the collision threw the tourist off the bike and left him severely injured.
Eyewitness accounts and dashcam footage show that, immediately after the accident, a foreign motorcyclist passing by stopped to assist the injured tourist. The van driver also got out of the vehicle to check on the victim.
The Nigerian tourist, whose motorcycle sustained significant damage, was unconscious at the scene and later succumbed to his injuries at the nearby Bangkok Hospital Siriroj.
The incident quickly went viral on social media. Netizens criticised reckless driving and the prevalence of red-light violations in the province. Many also expressed frustration over some bystanders’ apparent hesitation to help.
However, the foreign motorcyclist who stopped to assist received widespread praise. Comments highlighted the contrast between the quick response of the foreigner and the perceived inaction of others.
CCTV footage later confirmed that the van had a green light at the time of the collision, while the motorbike ran a red light.
After viewing the footage, police noted that the driver of the passenger van had no time to avoid the collision.