KRABI, THAILAND – An elderly couple died after a serious road accident on the route between Phuket and Hat Yai in southern Thailand.
Journey to hospital ends in tragedy
The couple had set off from Phuket early in the morning to attend a medical examination at a hospital in Hat Yai. Their journey took them along the interprovincial route through Krabi, where the crash occurred.
According to initial findings, the 79-year-old driver lost control of the vehicle at around 9 a.m. The SUV veered off the road near a school in Khlong Thom district.
Impact with high-voltage pole
The sport utility vehicle crashed head-on into a high-voltage power pole, which broke under the force of the impact. The vehicle sustained major damage, and emergency responders were dispatched immediately.
Rescue teams extricated the two occupants from the wreck with severe injuries and transported them to Khlong Thom Hospital. Doctors were unable to save them despite intensive treatment.
Both victims die in hospital
The 79-year-old driver and his 69-year-old wife died shortly after being admitted, succumbing to their serious injuries. The precise medical cause of death was to be determined by hospital staff.
Hospital personnel notified police of the victims’ identities as far as these could be established. A more detailed investigation into the cause of the accident was under way.
Police search for relatives
Investigators were trying to contact the victims’ family members. Relatives were expected to receive the deceased so that traditional religious rites could be carried out.
Police continued to examine how the crash unfolded. It had not yet been conclusively clarified whether technical defects, health-related issues, or other factors contributed to the accident.
Risky route between Phuket and southern Thailand
The route between Phuket and Hat Yai is one of the longer long-distance corridors in southern Thailand and is used mainly by retirees and commuters. Drives lasting several hours pose an increased physical strain for older motorists.
Traffic authorities recommended regular breaks on longer journeys. They also advised older people to travel with a companion for medical appointments or to use public transport where possible.