Three people on board a longtail boat were killed when a speeding jet ski rammed into their vessel in a canal in Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan on Saturday.

Before the incident, four jet skiers were travelling at high speed in Khlong Nong Ngu Hao near Soi Wat Sri Wareenoi at about 10.30am. One of the drivers suddenly lost control of his craft. He fell into the water and his jet ski rammed a longtail boat coming from the opposite direction.

The force of the crash killed the boat driver and two other passengers.

A witness told police that he saw the four jet skis racing in the canal before one of them was hit by the wake from the other craft. The driver jumped free but his jet ski then smashed into the longtail boat, he said.

The father of one dead passenger said he was deeply saddened by the loss of his only daughter. She was still young and had a bright future, he said.

Police have charged the jet ski driver, identified only as Rabin, 31, with recklessness causing death and property damage.