An Italian businessman was skewered 'like a kebab' when he was hit by a forklift while riding a motorcycle in Thailand.

Pietro Del Grotto, 46, was sitting on the back of the vehicle on his way to a warehouse in Soi Thepharak 58 in Samut Prakan province this morning March 24.

As the two-wheeler sped along the road, a forklift obscured by a parked truck suddenly pulled out in front of it - leaving no time for the rider to react.

The forklift's blade impaled the Italian worker through his stomach and caused his intestines to 'spill out from his abdomen' as he fell onto the tarmac. He then collapsed onto the ground at the same place he was struck.

Shocked bystanders called emergency services but Del Grotto was pronounced dead at the scene due to his severe injuries. He had also suffered heavy blood loss.

The motorcycle rider, Somchai Laolert, 52, was also wounded and rushed to a hospital. He had been working as a motorcycle taxi rider at the time.

Somchai said: 'I was taking the passenger to his workplace at the end of the alley when the forklift came out of nowhere and drove into the middle of the road. I couldn't react in time to avoid it.

'I'm really shaken by the accident. I feel very sad for the Italian man and his family. I tried to help him but there was nothing I could do. If the truck was a moment earlier the blade would have hit me. It went into my passenger like a barbecue stick going into the meat.'

The forklift operator Suriyong Santawong said he was driving towards the warehouse when he heard a crash at the front of the vehicle. He stood from his seat and saw that he had collided with the motorcycle.

Suriyong was summoned to the Samrongnuea Police Station for further questioning while officers investigate to the case.

Police Captain Pannapat Kumkiam said: 'Evidence was collected from the scene of the accident. The staff at the warehouse also recreated the crash with the forklift truck.

'The driver of the forklift truck is being questioned.'