Russian rescued after cliff car plunge

Russian rescued after cliff car plunge

A seriously injured Russian was rescued from the bottom of the cliff at Laem Promthep, a popular sightseeing spot on Phuket island, after the car he was driving plunged 200 metres from the cliff top to the sea below late on Thursday night.

The Russian was identified later as Nikolai Onoprienov, 29. 

He was found lying on exposed rocks above the water.  He was bleeding  from his ears and deep head cuts and his body, arms and legs were severely bruised, but  was still conscious and could respond to questions, according to police and rescuers of the Khai Muk tourist assistance centre and Kusoltham Charity foundation.

He was admitted to Vajira Phuket Hospital.

The search and rescue operation began shortly after 11pm when a fisherman informed police he saw a car suddenly plummet from the top of the cliff into the sea from the Laem Promthep viewpoint.

Two teams of rescuers began the search by climbing down from the cliff top.

Divers from the Khai Muk centre and Kusoltham Foundation searched the base of the cliff from two rubber boats.

The man was found on an exposed rock after a two-hour search.  A black Honda Jazz car with one door open was found nearby. It was lying on its side, half under water. There was nobody else in it.

The Phuket News reported he had lost control of  the rented vehicle and been thrown from it as it plunged from the cliff.  Police were investigating. 

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