A tragic incident occurred in Perth when 51-year-old Thahn Phan was fatally injured by an e-scooter on Saturday night. The collision took place at the busy intersection of Murray and King Street, resulting in severe injuries including a brain bleed. Mr Phan, a cherished father, husband, brother, and friend, was well-known in his community and had resided in Western Australia for over a decade, working as a structural engineer.
The accused, 24-year-old Alicia Kemp, was allegedly riding the e-scooter while intoxicated after spending hours drinking. Reports indicate she may have reached speeds of up to 25 km/h, which has been deemed “inexplicably dangerous” by a prosecutor. Kemp has been charged with dangerous driving resulting in death, with her blood alcohol level recorded at 0.158 at the time of the incident.
The incident has sparked significant grief, with the Phan family expressing their sorrow over the loss of a loving husband and father. They have called for a reassessment of the regulations governing e-scooters to help prevent future tragedies of this nature. Western Australia’s Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, acknowledged the need for stricter compliance with speed and safety regulations for e-scooters.
As Kemp awaits her next court appearance, she has been denied bail due to concerns regarding her potential flight risk. This incident has raised important questions about the governance of e-scooter use and public safety, emphasising the urgent need for enhanced regulations to ensure the safety of pedestrians and riders alike.