Shocking moment American tourist learned he’d killed woman with dirt bike on Thai vacation
An American tourist fell to his knees after hearing that the woman he hit while riding his dirt bike along a highway in Thailand had died from her injuries.
Philip Edward McMorrow, 37, was speeding along Highway 1317 in Chang Mai in northern Thailand when he collided with 67-year-old Kia Sae-wang, throwing her body onto the pavement with devastating force.
Kia, a lifelong resident of the Mae On neighborhood where the collision occurred, was doing some shopping and was on her way to the shops.
Witnesses say the incident happened at high speed around 4pm on Thursday, just as Kia stepped onto the road, but unseen by McMorrow.
Locals rushed to the scene in an attempt to rescue the woman who lay motionless on the tarmac.
Paramedics were called and fought desperately to save her life, administering CPR before rushing her to a nearby hospital.
Despite their efforts, Kia succumbed to her injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.
When police arrived, they found McMorrow unharmed but visibly shaken.
Motorcyclist Philip Edward McMorrow, 37, fell to his knees after hearing that the woman he hit while riding his dirt bike along a highway in Thailand had died from her injuries
McMorrow, 37, apologized deeply to the murdered woman’s family, who even helped lift him off the ground. He now faces the grim possibility of legal action in Thailand
McMorrow, 37, seen left, was speeding along Highway 1317 in Chang Mai in northern Thailand when he collided with 67-year-old Kia Sae-wang, throwing her body onto the tarmac
When he heard that Kia had died from her injuries, the tourist, still dressed in his dirt bike gear, fell to his knees.
Tears streamed down his face as he repeatedly apologized to Kia’s family.
Grieving relatives of Kia’s began gathering near the crash site.
Photos taken near the scene showed the dirt bike nearby with its tires still covered in road dust.
Authorities say an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident. Initial reports indicate that McMorrow may have broken the speed limit, an offense that carries heavy penalties under Thai law.
McMorrow now faces the grim possibility of legal action in Thailand, where the penalties for causing a fatal accident can be severe.