RATCHABURI: A young woman was killed and four other people injured after their pick-up truck came under gunfire by two men on a motorcycle and then crashed early on Sunday.

A police investigation revealed that the attack occurred as the four-door Isuzu pick-up truck with five people on board was approaching an intersection, followed closely by two men on a motorcycle. The pillion rider of the motorcycle then fired three shots at the pick-up. One of the shots hit Pathompong Wichitdecha, 24, the driver, in the chest. Despite being wounded, Mr Pathompong was able to speed away from the attackers. Mr Pathompong then lost consciousness and rammed the pick-up into a roadside lamp post in front of Ban Pong Hospital.

Chawalya Wichitdecha, 19, Mr Pathompong's sister, suffered a broken neck and died. Three other passengers - Chotipat Chongcharoen, 29, Areerat Kankhaeng, 23, and Charerd Wichiansalang, 24 - were also injured in the crash. They were admitted to Ban Pong Hospital.

Police learned that the five were returning to Ban Pong town after visiting a pub, where they got into a quarrel with a group of old rivals. It was initially believed the attackers might be from that group.

Police investigators were questioning witnesses and examining security camera footage to gather evidence for legal action.