Two kids killed, 20 injured in horrific holiday boat crash

Two children have died after two speedboats collided in a head-on crash in Thailand.

A 12-year-old boy and six-year-old girl, both from Russia, were killed on Monday about 8.15am (local time) just off the coast of Phuket.

The boats were reportedly taking their respective passengers on day trips when they crashed near a bay on the east side of the island.

There were 34 passengers in total, most of them Russian tourists, Marine Police Region 8 chief Col Prasert Srikhunrat said.

Police said a Payan 5 tour boat was heading to the Royal Phuket Marina to pick up tourists when it was struck by another boat full of tourists.

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At least 20 other passengers were taken to hospital to be treated for injuries, police said.

An eyewitness told police one of the boats cut in at a junction and caused the collision, according to the Bangkok Post.

Both drivers were charged with reckless driving resulting in deaths and injuries, the publication reported.

Several of the injured passengers are reportedly in critical conditions, The Mirror said, with 15 people having been treated and discharged.

“At this time, the investigation into the collision is still ongoing. Officers will inspect the scene of the accident before travelling to see the injured persons at the hospitals next,” Col Prasert told the publication.

Photos from the scene showed the two damaged boats and emergency crews tending to injured passengers, some of who were bloodied.

With Associated Press

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