Bangkok: The fifth body has been removed from the scene of the collapsed bridge at the elevated road construction site of Rama 3 - Dao Khanong. The tragic incident occurred when a crossbeam collapsed during construction at 1:00 AM, resulting in the deaths of five individuals. Among the deceased, four bodies were previously recovered, while one remained trapped until recently. Additionally, two individuals are still missing, and approximately 24 others sustained injuries, with six opting not to seek hospital treatment. On the night of the incident, 37 workers were present at the site.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, the Minister of Transport, visited the accident site and expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased. He confirmed that all five individuals who lost their lives were workers and engineers involved in the construction, with no nearby residents affected. He has directed the Expressway Authority to determine the exact cause of the accident, emphasizing the need for stricter oversight of construction supervisors. A new policy is expected by the end of April to blacklist companies involved in such incidents, preventing them from bidding on future projects.
Mr. Surachet Laopoolsuk, Governor of the Expressway Authority of Thailand, arrived at the scene shortly after the incident occurred. He reported that the expressway suffered significant damage, making the Chalerm Mahanakhon Expressway at the Dao Khanong toll plaza and the expressway heading to Rama 2 unusable. Efforts are underway to clear the area and address the resulting traffic problems, with collaboration between the Expressway Authority and the Department of Rural Roads.
The collapsed structure has resulted in the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway and the outbound expressway to Rama 2 becoming inaccessible. Mr. Laopoolsuk stated that the immediate goal is to remove the collapsed steel structure within a week to restore partial road access. Repairing the outbound expressway to Rama 2 is expected to take about a month. Commuters from Bangkok to Phra Ram 2 Road are advised to use an alternative route via Saphan Thasamarat and Suk Sawat Road. Mr. Laopoolsuk apologized for the inconvenience and assured the public that a committee would investigate the incident to prevent future occurrences.
The deceased have been identified as Mr. Narakorn Yeukyen, age 39, an engineer; Mr. Rujthorn Hanasarn, age 48, a foreman from Kan Dee Joint Venture Co., Ltd.; Mr. Sittichai Kesobua, age 40, a technician; and Burmese nationals Mr. Zin Ku Aung and Mr. Naing Lin Aung. In addition, 24 individuals sustained injuries, with 20 men and 4 women hospitalized, while six others with minor injuries chose not to seek medical attention. The search continues for two missing male Burmese workers.