CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – An electric ride-hailing SUV in Chiang Mai struck a Spanish tourist and a Thai street vendor, leaving both women critically injured near the old city moat.
Early-morning crash at Chiang Mai moat
According to Mueang Chiang Mai police, the accident occurred at about 7.40 a.m. on Friday, 28 January, on a busy stretch along the old city moat. A Grab driver lost control of an electric MG sport utility vehicle in the historic city center, prompting nearby residents to call police and rescue services, who treated the injured at the scene.
Vehicle moves forward as tourist exits
A Spanish couple had been riding in the Grab car and, witnesses said, had just been dropped off near the moat. As the woman attempted to get out, the vehicle suddenly surged forward, according to several witnesses, dragging her and throwing her onto the sidewalk.
Soymilk stall destroyed, women critically injured
On the pavement, a mobile soymilk stall operated by a Thai street vendor stood directly in the car’s path. The vehicle slammed into the stall, which was completely destroyed, and a nearby parked motorcycle was also damaged.
Police said the Spanish woman and the vendor were taken in critical condition to Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, while the tourist’s partner and the Grab driver suffered only minor injuries. The younger brother of the injured vendor told local outlet Chiang Mai News that he had been working at the stall alongside his sister when the car came straight at them.
“I was able to jump aside in time, but my sister had no chance to get out of the way.”
said the brother of the injured vendor, according to the report.
Previous minor collision minutes before
Witnesses told investigators that the same Grab vehicle had been involved in another accident shortly before the serious crash. The electric car had collided with an ice delivery truck, causing only minor property damage, and the truck driver reportedly declined compensation or legal action.
After that initial collision, the Grab driver picked up the Spanish tourist and her partner and drove toward the moat area, where the second, much more serious accident occurred.
Suspected handling error with electric SUV
Some local residents voiced suspicion that the driver was not sufficiently familiar with operating the electric vehicle. They suggested he might have confused the accelerator with the brake pedal, contributing to the sudden forward movement.
Police probe cause and liability
Police administered an alcohol test to the driver immediately after the crash, which returned negative. Following first aid, he was taken to the station for further questioning.
Investigators said they would conduct comprehensive interviews with all parties involved and with witnesses. Their aim was to clarify responsibility for the accident and establish the basis for potential compensation claims by the injured women.