Bangkok: More than 24 hours have passed since a worker from Sisaket, identified as Mr. Sarawut Chanthason, known as Dao, fell into a pile hole at a construction site of the Orange Line electric train project. The incident occurred at the Bang Khun Non - Thailand Cultural Center section, near the entrance of Soi Lan Luang 6 and Soi Lan Luang 8 in the Pom Prap Sattru Phai District. Despite continuous efforts amidst challenging conditions, the search operation has yet to recover the body.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, personally visited the site to oversee the mission aimed at retrieving Mr. Dao's body, which is presumed to be buried under a landslide 19 meters deep. Officials from various agencies have been working tirelessly in difficult weather, confronting relentless rain and soil instability. Mr. Phuchpong Sanyachoti, Director of Fire and Rescue Operation Division 3, Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, reported that excavation efforts have so far reached a depth of 9 meters, uncovering only construction materials but not the victim's body.
The operation has been conducted with precision and collaboration from a civil engineering team to ensure safety in the narrow working space. Challenges include soil pressure on the sides of the hole and water infiltration from underground layers. Current efforts focus on maintaining the hole depth at 9 meters, with sheet piles extending to 16 meters, the anticipated depth where Mr. Dao might be located without descending into a harder soil layer.
Mr. Chadchart has emphasized that this incident will serve as a critical learning point for improving future construction operations, particularly the demolition of old structures. The Orange Line project has been ongoing for over a year, and the area of the incident was undergoing demolition of overhead bridge piles. The governor stressed the importance of discussing potential risks with contractors and project owners to expedite the search, as delays could exacerbate the situation.
The search area is limited to a 2 x 3-meter opening due to space constraints, requiring significant support. Engineers are closely supervising the operation, and while intermittent rain poses challenges, it also stabilizes the soil. Despite the adverse conditions, the search team remains dedicated to locating Mr. Dao.
The State Railway of Thailand (MRTA) has offered condolences and promised full support to Mr. Dao's family, including facilitating their travel to follow the search progress. Meanwhile, at Mr. Dao's home in Ban Pok, Sisaket, relatives, including his aunt Mrs. Samai Chanthimalai, are awaiting the return of his body for religious rites. Mrs. Samai, who has raised Mr. Dao since childhood, expressed her readiness to receive her nephew's remains, highlighting his hardworking nature and the family's deep loss.