Authorities have since identified the tuk-tuk’s owner and are now working to track down the driver for questioning, as 29-year-old Colin Cairney remains in intensive care
A British boxer is in a coma after he fell from a moving tuk-tuk during a dispute over a taxi fare in Thailand.
Colin Cairney, 29, suffered serious head injuries in the incident in Phuket’s Patong district during the early hours of Saturday. He was taken to hospital and remains in intensive care. Police are trying to trace the tuk-tuk driver, who allegedly drove away after Mr Cairney was thrown from the vehicle.
Investigators believe Mr Cairney had been heading back to his hotel after a night out when a disagreement broke out over payment for the journey. Reports suggest he did not have cash on him and arrangements were made for him to withdraw money from a nearby ATM.
But security footage allegedly showed the tuk-tuk travelling past The Nature Hotel shortly after 4am without stopping. It was later seen heading back towards Patong.
Officers said Mr Cairney, from Stirling, central Scotland, fell from the back of the vehicle and suffered a catastrophic head injury when he struck the road. Detectives said CCTV enquiries ruled out any assault and indicated he had fallen without being pushed.
Emergency crews were called after a man was spotted lying injured near a pedestrian crossing on Phra Baramee Road at around 4:10am. Cairney was taken to Patong Hospital before later being transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital for specialist treatment.
Tests for alcohol and drugs have reportedly been carried out, although the results have not yet been released.
Police have since tracked down the registered owner of the tuk-tuk. He reportedly told officers the vehicle had been rented out to another person who was using it as a taxi. Investigators are now attempting to locate that driver for questioning.
According to reports, if Cairney’s condition were to worsen and prove fatal, the driver could face allegations including negligent driving causing death, failing to stop and assist an injured person, and failing to notify authorities.
