AN INTOXICATED taxi driver hit a traffic policeman who was flagging down a car at a charity run at 6 a.m. this morning (Apr. 28) and he later died at the hospital, Amarin TV said.
Pol. Lt. Assada Chamniansri, 54, attached to Bang Khen police station, was on duty directing traffic at the mini marathon run organised by Phranakhon Rajabhat University in front of Bangkok Mass Transit Authority’s garage in this district.
Suddenly a green and yellow taxi drove straight into him sending his body flying and hitting and shattering the windshield then crashing on the road.
He suffered a six-centimetre wound on his head and was unconscious with rescuers quickly taking him to Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital but he later died there.
Pol. Lt. Col, Theera Lanamwong and the other traffic policemen quickly arrested the cabbie, Mr. Warabut Somsawaeng, 40, and took him to the police station for questioning.
A test showed his blood alcohol content was 287 milligrammes, far above the legal limit of 50, and he was put in a control room to sober up for questioning.
Warabut told police that he was driving home after watching football match and drinking with his friends in Huai Khwang area and when he reached the spot where the accident occurred the policeman suddenly walked in front of the vehicle.
He added that he tried but failed to dodge him and that while he had drunk alcohol he was not that drunk and could well remember what happened.
He was charged with careless driving, driving and hitting another person leading to his death, driving a public vehicle while intoxicated and was detained for further legal action.
CAPTION:
The taxi that slammed into Pol. Lt. Assada Chamniansri, inset, killing him. Photo: Amarin TV
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