Scavenger killed, hit by Benz driven by Brit in Phuket

A rescue volunteer looks at the damaged Mercedes-Benz driven by a 33-year-old Briton that hit and killed a scavenger crossing the road in Thalang district, Phuket, early on Wednesday. The driver was admitted to hospital and the Benz to Thalang police station. (Photo by Ekkapop Thongthap)

PHUKET: A scavenger crossing a road in Thalang district was hit and killed by a Mercedes-Benz driven by a British man in the early hours of Wednesday.

The fatal collision with the man and his pushcart occurred on outbound-Thepkasattri Road opposite the PTT Muang Mai petrol station in tambon Thepkassatri.

It was reported to police around 4.40am on Wednesday, Pol Capt Warawut Sensop, deputy investigation chief at Thalang police station, said.

Police and rescue workers rushed to the scene found parts of a man's shattered body scattered on the road surface. A black Mercedes-Benz with Phuket licence plates and severe damage to the driver’s side was stopped on the road.

The driver, identified as Paul John Mercer, 33, a British national, was injured and had been taken to Bangkok Hospital Phuket before police arrived.

A pushcart and its scattered load of empty water bottles and scrap metal was also found nearby.

The body of the victim, who had not been identified, was taken to Thalang Hospital.

Police said the dead man had earned his living collecting and selling scrap and was crossing the road when he was hit by the sedan.

His body was dragged for about 40 metres along the road.

Police were waiting to interrogate the injured driver.