Eyewitness accounts described a serious road crash in Phuket on the evening of March 22. A tour bus operated by Anex Tour was carrying 35 Russian travelers from the airport to nearby hotels when it failed to negotiate a sharp bend near the Kuan-Yak intersection. The vehicle veered off the road, struck a tree, and collided with a corner of a standing building as bystanders watched in shock. Local residents and other drivers recorded scenes of the incident on mobile phones, and emergency crews rushed to the site to begin rescue and safety procedures. The accident quickly drew attention on social media and in local news outlets as people tried to understand what had happened and whether more passengers were at risk.
According to witnesses, the bus could not manage the turn at the Kuan-Yak corner and left the roadway. The vehicle reportedly struck a tree, causing it to topple and hit a corner of a nearby building. Video captured at the scene shows the bus moving at speed and failing to complete the turn before the crash. Investigators will consider multiple factors, including the possibility of driver error, mechanical issues, or road conditions contributing to the loss of control.
Initial updates indicated that four Russians sustained injuries described as minor. Paramedics provided on site care, and those affected received further treatment at local clinics as needed. Tour operators and hotel staff supported the injured travelers and helped coordinate onward arrangements, while authorities began to verify passenger lists and ensure the safety of others on the bus.
The crash occurred along the corridor between Kamala Beach and Patong Beach, a busy route often used by visitors traveling to resorts and attractions. Footage from the scene shows the bus entering the turn at high speed and failing to slow in time. Eyewitnesses suggested that the brakes may not have responded as expected, though investigators have not yet confirmed a mechanical failure. The incident highlights the dangers that can surface in crowded tourist zones where unfamiliar roads, traffic, and time pressures converge.
Officials launched an immediate investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash and to review safety standards for transfer services that move travelers between airports and hotels. Travel agencies stressed the importance of using licensed operators and having appropriate insurance coverage, while families of the affected travelers awaited updates. For travelers from Canada and the United States planning trips to Phuket or other Southeast Asian destinations, the incident underscores the value of verifying a carrier’s safety record, checking vehicle conditions, and understanding local driving conditions. In busy tourist hubs, routine vehicle maintenance and safety checks are essential, and travelers should stay informed through official travel advisories and carry suitable insurance for emergencies.