An out-of-control tugboat smashed into a ferry injuring a youngster who narrowly escaped by jumping into the river.

The vessel carrying a heavy cargo of coal was pushed by tides towards a pier in Pathum Thani province when it collided with the passenger ship on July 23.

It then hit the dock where a young lad stood, prompting him to plunge into the water to avoid the boat.

Both vessels were heavily damaged from the collision while the youngster was taken to a hospital after sustaining injuries.

Ferry captain Bangern Montong, 54, said: ‘The tugboat's engine had stopped working before the collision. The tide and winds then pushed it towards our direction and crashed.'

The boat's owner apologised and promised to pay for the boy's medical expenses and the damages suffered by the ferry.

No one else was reported hurt in the incident.