Belgian Cyclist Killed in Chon Buri Truck Collision
Chon Buri, March 9, 2025 – A tragic accident in Sattahip district claimed the life of a 68-year-old Belgian cyclist after a collision with a pickup truck. The victim, identified as Jean Antoine Linda Hellemans, was cycling for exercise when the crash occurred.
The incident took place at 10:20 AM on Road 332, near the J-Kasemphol intersection, opposite a PTT gas station in Bang Sare. The collision involved a black Chevrolet pickup truck with a cargo box, registered in Rayong, which reportedly veered off the road and into a drainage ditch.
The truck driver, 38-year-old Thiparpa Namsupho, was found in a disoriented state and was rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.
Eyewitness Account
Yossawat Phuwaratlerdkun, also known as Mayor Tai, the mayor of Kled Kaew subdistrict, witnessed the aftermath of the accident while on his way to the Sattahip market. Upon seeing the truck in the ditch, he stopped to assist and discovered Hellemans lying in the roadside grass with severe injuries. He immediately contacted rescue services and the disaster prevention and mitigation team from Kled Kaew and Udomsak municipal offices.
Hellemans was transported to Queen Sirikit Naval Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Possible Cause and Investigation
Initial investigations suggest the truck driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, leading to the collision before the vehicle veered off the road. Mayor Phuwaratlerdkun expressed his condolences to Hellemans’ family, as reported by KhaoSod.
Police have documented the scene and will summon the driver for questioning to determine the exact cause of the accident and proceed with legal action as necessary.
Related Incident in Phuket
In a separate accident, a 70-year-old man in Phuket lost control of his Toyota Fortuner, crashing into five parked vehicles before succumbing to his injuries. The incident was captured on CCTV, and police are currently investigating the cause.
