Lt Col Pairat Chitrapirom of Patong Police received notification of the incident on Hasip Pi Rd around 10am this morning (Dec 16). Upon arrival at the scene, police officers and emergency workers found a section of the road in disarray and with a fire burning.
According to preliminary information from eyewitnesses, a runaway crane, unable to climb the hill, rolled backward, crushing several cars and three motorcycles.
Three power poles were damaged, and one car became trapped under the truck, catching fire. Firefighters took 20 minutes to extinguish the flames.
The crane driver was "detained" and taken to Patong Police Station for questioning. Police have not yet revealed his name or confirmed if he was an employee of the Phuket Crane company, as indicated by the stickers on the vehicle. Nothing has been said about possible charges agains the unnamed driver.
According to preliminary reports, one person was taken to Patong Hospital for medical assistance. Patong Police have not provided further details on this matter.