A 29-year-old British boxer is currently hospitalized in Thailand after falling from a moving tuk-tuk following a dispute over a taxi fare. Colin Cairney sustained severe head injuries during the incident in Phuket’s Patong district over the weekend and is now in intensive care. Authorities are working to locate the tuk-tuk driver who allegedly drove off after Cairney was ejected from the vehicle.
Initial reports suggest that Cairney was trying to return to his hotel after a night out when a disagreement arose regarding payment for the ride. It appears that he did not have cash on him, leading to arrangements for him to withdraw money from an ATM nearby.
Security footage indicates that the tuk-tuk passed The Nature Hotel around 4 am without stopping and was later observed heading back towards Patong. Investigators have determined that Cairney fell from the vehicle, sustaining a critical head injury upon impact with the road. CCTV footage has ruled out any physical assault, pointing to a fall rather than a push.
Emergency services were alerted when Cairney was found injured near a pedestrian crossing on Phra Baramee Road at approximately 4:10 am. He was initially taken to Patong Hospital before being transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital for specialized care.
Authorities have conducted tests for alcohol and drugs, with results pending release. The registered owner of the tuk-tuk has been identified, stating that the vehicle was rented out to someone using it as a taxi. Efforts are underway to locate the driver for questioning.
In the event of Cairney’s condition deteriorating and leading to fatality, the driver may face charges such as negligent driving causing death, failure to stop and assist an injured person, and failure to notify authorities.