Bangkok: The motorbike rider who sideswiped a 69-year-old man, causing him to fall and hit his head on the ground resulting in a brain hemorrhage, has been found. The incident, which occurred on the night of June 13th, left the elderly man with severe injuries, including a fractured skull, brain hemorrhage, brain swelling, and two broken ribs, ultimately requiring emergency surgery.
According to Thai News Agency, investigators from Sai Mai Police Station traced the perpetrator using CCTV footage and identified him as Mr. Oat, a 35-year-old tattoo artist. Mr. Oat was riding his motorcycle back to his residence, accompanied by a younger friend on another motorcycle. Upon reaching the scene, Mr. Oat claimed he saw the elderly man crossing the road and believed he had passed safely. He then noticed the man fall and returned to check on him, initially assuming the man had fallen due to intoxication.
Following a police report filed by the victim’s son, stating his father had gone missing, the family began searching for him. The investigation revealed, through CCTV footage, that the 69-year-old man had been struck by a big bike motorcycle, causing him to fall and hit his head on the road, rendering him unconscious. Bystanders carried him to a deserted row of shops next to a tire shop, where he was found unconscious around 6:30 AM the next day and rushed to the hospital.
Mr. Oat testified that he helped the man up, washed his face, and asked nearby people if they recognized him. Assuming the man lived nearby, Mr. Oat and his friend placed him in a covered area next to a tire shop to protect him from the rain. They believed their younger acquaintance had contacted the authorities, so they left the scene. Mr. Panuwat, the 27-year-old who was riding behind Mr. Oat, claimed he called for help via the 1669 emergency hotline but was advised to contact 1646 instead. He provided details of the incident and location before the call disconnected, believing officials would arrive to assist.
Authorities at Sai Mai Police Station are currently gathering evidence and monitoring the condition of the 69-year-old man to compile the case file and file charges. The incident highlights the importance of immediate and effective communication with emergency services following accidents.