CHUMPHON: An Italian couple was killed when a fuel tanker overturned and crushed their motorcycle at a junction in Muang district on Thursday evening. The truck driver blamed "faulty brakes".
Giuliano de Santis, 42, and his wife Ilaria Rizzo, 37, died when a six-wheeled PT Power Co truck rolled over at a three-way junction in Moo 8 village of tambon Pak Nam.
Fuel spilled from the overturned tanker and emergency crews sprayed the scene with water and foam, warning people to stay clear and not to smoke because it could cause an explosion.
It was about two hours before the truck could be safely lifted and the road reopened.
Eyewitnesses said the fuel truck was going fast, travelling downhill from Matsee mountain, and turned left into Chumphon-Pak Nam Road. At the same time, the tourists' motorcycle was crossing the junction from the right. The truck overturned onto its right side, landing on top of the motorcycle.
Truck driver Suriyan Nakbamrung, 64, said he had been in the job for a decade without such an accident. He said the brake system of the truck malfunctioned and he could not slow down.
The Italians were being followed by four friends on two other motorcycles. Their friends were unhurt.