BANGKOK — A section of an elevated road under construction in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, collapsed early in the morning, claiming the lives of at least five individuals, as confirmed by officials. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit reported that the incident also resulted in injuries to 24 people present at the construction site.
Extending his sympathies to the families of the victims, Suriya stated that compensation would be provided by the construction contractors and other relevant authorities. Among those who lost their lives were four construction workers and an engineer. Fortunately, no road users were harmed since traffic lanes near the construction zone were closed during the collapse.
Siam Boonsom, the commander of Bangkok’s police, shared that investigations are currently underway to determine the collapse’s cause, and legal action would be taken against responsible parties.
Images from the location of the collapse reveal that massive metal and concrete fragments fell and obstructed the road completely. The 5-kilometer (around 3-mile) elevated road project commenced in 2022 as detailed by the Expressway Authority of Thailand.
Surachet Laophulsuk, governor of the authority, remarked that clearing the debris was a priority, although it might require up to a week. Meanwhile, the contractors were given a 14-day suspension following the incident as investigations continue.
Safety in road and construction projects remains a significant concern in Thailand. The area where the collapse occurred forms a portion of a crucial route linking Bangkok to the southern regions of the country, a route infamous for its delayed construction timeline and recurrent deadly accidents.
In response, Suriya emphasized that the transportation ministry is devising new regulations. These regulations will impose suspensions on contractors deemed responsible for construction mishaps and bar them from submitting bids for future government projects.
