PATTAYA, THAILAND – A 58-year-old motorcyclist died Wednesday morning on North Pattaya Road after apparently losing consciousness while riding and falling from his vehicle.
Emergency call and response
According to the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Foundation, the emergency call was received at 6:36 a.m., reporting a fatal motorcycle accident on a major traffic artery in northern Pattaya in Chonburi province. Rescue workers and police officers, led by Pol. Lt. Tharaphon Katanyu, deputy investigator at Pattaya Police Station, went immediately to the scene, cordoning off the area to halt traffic and prevent further collisions.
Rider found dead at the scene
Responders found the lifeless body of Mr. Phanomphon So-ngoen, aged 58, lying in the middle of the roadway, and covered it with a white cloth at the scene. His blue Yamaha Mio motorcycle, registered in Trat province, had continued rolling after the fall, left the carriageway and ended up on the sidewalk.
Pedestrian slightly injured
On the sidewalk, 47-year-old Ms. Sumalee Setthawong was struck by the riderless motorcycle and sustained minor injuries. She received first aid from rescue workers at the scene before being taken to a local hospital for further treatment.
Witness account of the crash
Ms. Sumalee told helpers that the man had been riding alone when he suddenly slumped forward and fell from the vehicle.
“The motorcycle continued without a rider, slid onto the sidewalk and crashed into me. I could not get out of the way in time.”
said Ms. Sumalee Setthawong, pedestrian.
Police suspect medical cause
Based on an initial assessment, police believed that Mr. Phanomphon suffered a sudden medical emergency while driving, possibly an acute episode of a pre-existing condition that led to loss of consciousness. Officers assumed that the fatal injuries were likely caused by the impact with the road surface rather than a collision with another vehicle, and said there were initially no indications of other parties being involved.
Autopsy to determine exact cause of death
The body was transferred to Banglamung Hospital for a full autopsy to clarify the precise cause of death and confirm whether there had been an undiagnosed underlying health condition. Police stated they would reach a final assessment of the case once the medical findings were available, noting that the incident underscored the risk of sudden medical emergencies during dense morning commuter traffic in Pattaya.