Taxi in Thailand blocks ambulance, resulting in death of patient
A shocking incident unfolded in Phuket, Thailand when a taxi blocked an ambulance transporting an emergency patient, ultimately leading to his death.
The incident occurred on the morning of Sunday (27 April) on a narrow stretch of road in Patong.
According to Khaosod, a 62-year-old man, who had been experiencing dizziness, was picked up by the ambulance at 8.15am after his family called for assistance.
Taxi refuses to yield despite sirens
As the ambulance rushed towards the hospital with its sirens blaring, a taxi suddenly cut in front of it and refused to give way.
Dashcam footage shows the taxi staying in the far-left lane, slowing down and obstructing the emergency vehicle’s path.
Source: อสมท ภูเก็ต on Facebook
Despite the medical team’s efforts to resuscitate the man, the ambulance was unable to reach the hospital in time, and the patient was pronounced dead at 8.45am.
Police investigating incident
A witness told Thai broadcaster MCOT that the ambulance had its siren on full blast, but the taxi refused to move.
It was such a narrow road, if they only gave a bit of room, maybe the patient would’ve survived.
Meanwhile, police are reviewing surveillance footage of the incident and have summoned the taxi driver for questioning.
In addition to charging the driver for obstructing an ambulance, authorities are also working to improve traffic flow and raise awareness among drivers about the importance of yielding to emergency vehicles.
Also read: Vietnamese woman gives birth in ambulance after 13 hospitals in South Korea refuse to admit her
Vietnamese woman gives birth in ambulance after 13 hospitals in South Korea refuse to admit her
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Featured image adapted from อสมท ภูเก็ต on Facebook.
