Elderly Chiang Mai driver smashes 11 vehicles, store

Elderly Chiang Mai driver smashes 11 vehicles, store

Police said Somnuek Saritnet, 74, suffered a seizure behind the wheel and pressed down on the accelerator uncontrollably, causing the pileup in Muang District Tuesday afternoon. (Photo from Ruamjai Rescue Foundation Facebook page)
Police said Somnuek Saritnet, 74, suffered a seizure behind the wheel and pressed down on the accelerator uncontrollably, causing the pileup in Muang District Tuesday afternoon. (Photo from Ruamjai Rescue Foundation Facebook page)

Several people were hurt when an elderly driver smashed into three cars, eight motorbikes and a retail store in Chiang Mai.

Police said Somnuek Saritnet, 74, suffered a seizure behind the wheel and pressed down on the accelerator uncontrollably, causing the pileup in Muang District Tuesday afternoon.

Mr Somnuek had been driving his Chevrolet along Sanam Keela road in tambon Chang Phuak when he suffered the seizure. He lost control of the vehicle and ploughed through the cars and motorbikes before ramming a shop selling construction materials. 

Several people sustained minor injuries as a result.

Suchitra, his 72-year-old wife and passenger, said her husband had suffered from a bone and muscular illness and occasionally had fits.

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