Lucky escape for Kiwi crash victims in Phuket

Phuket. Photo / File photo

Three New Zealanders holidaying in Thailand have escaped unscathed after a concrete truck hit their taxi, sending it into the path of a 10-wheeled truck.

Paul Swendsen and his wife had been holidaying in Patong, on Phuket's west coast, since February.

The pair along with a third Kiwi were picked up on Thepkasattri Rd and were on their way to Phuket international Airport yesterday when they were hit from behind by a concrete truck about 12.30pm, local media reported.

"The concrete truck didn't see us, or something. The truck tapped the back corner of the car and sent us spinning," Mr Swendsen told newspaper Phuketwan.

The spinning taxi crashed crashed into the back of a parked 10-wheel truck.

Mr Swendsen had a small cut from the car mirror on his arm from reportedly trying to protect his wife. The other two tourists and taxi driver were uninjured.

All three were taken to the airport in another taxi and made their flight on time.

Rain had made the road slippery, which contributed to the crash, deputy police officer Chaleaw Taihoo is reported as saying.

The 27-year-old driver of the concrete truck was charged with reckless driving causing damage to a person and property, Phuket News reported.