Bangkok: Plai Phraya Hospital in Krabi Province has provided an explanation regarding a tragic incident where a pickup truck blocked an emergency vehicle, leading to the death of a critically ill patient.

According to Thai News Agency, the incident involved the driver’s daughter who pleaded for the vehicle to be moved, but it took more than 15 minutes. A report has been filed in the daily log.

The incident unfolded as a patient’s relative parked a pickup truck, obstructing an ambulance that was set to transport a critically ill patient from Plai Phraya Hospital to Krabi Hospital for further treatment. The patient’s relative shared an image of themselves waiing to the pickup truck owner. The situation arose when their father, who was in urgent need of care due to coronary artery disease and respiratory failure, was being assisted by hospital staff for transfer. The ambulance was blocked by a pickup truck, complicating the transfer process and delaying the patient’s care.

Plai Phraya Hospital later clarifie
d on its Facebook page that the incident began at 11:10 PM in the emergency room. Medical staff were providing emergency care to a patient with acute myocardial infarction and respiratory failure, necessitating intubation. At 11:15 PM, a brown Toyota pickup truck belonging to a 69-year-old female patient blocked the ambulance. The conscious patient was experiencing dizziness and blurry vision when her relatives wheeled her into the emergency room. Despite being advised to wait, the relatives complained about the lack of attention given to their mother.

At 11:16 PM, while attempting to transfer the critically ill patient to the ambulance, the pickup truck was found obstructing the way. Despite a nurse notifying the truck owner to move, cooperation was not immediate. The owner expressed anger over the perceived lack of care for his mother. Meanwhile, the critically ill patient’s relative pleaded with the truck owner to move the vehicle. After a prolonged argument, the truck was finally moved, allowing the pati
ent to be transferred to an ambulance. Unfortunately, the delay contributed to the patient’s death. The pickup truck owner’s relatives received treatment for their patient, whose condition improved with medication.

Plai Phraya Hospital extended condolences to the deceased patient’s family, reaffirming their commitment to providing professional care. Recently, the body of Mr. Somkhwan, the deceased patient, was brought to his residence for religious rites, amidst family grief.

Ms. Phattharaphon, the deceased’s daughter, shared her distress over the incident, believing her father could have survived with timely transport. Relatives of the deceased are contemplating legal action post the cremation ceremony on October 23rd, as they continue to grieve their loss.