A partially constructed elevated road collapsed on Saturday in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, killing at least five people, according to authorities.
The accident occurred in the early hours of the morning in the southwestern part of the city, also injuring 24 workers at the site, explained Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. He expressed his condolences and assured that the affected individuals would receive compensation from the contractors and relevant agencies. Among the deceased were four workers and an engineer. No drivers were affected, as the nearby lanes were closed at the time of the collapse.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the collapse, said Bangkok Police Commander Siam Boonsom, adding that legal action will be taken against those responsible.
Images from the scene showed large metal and concrete structures collapsed onto the road, completely blocking traffic.
According to the Thai Highway Authority, construction of the 5-kilometer (3-mile) elevated road began in 2022. The agency’s director, Surachet Laophulsuk, stated that efforts are underway to clear the debris as soon as possible, although cleanup could take up to a week. He also announced that the contractors involved in the project have been suspended for 14 days while the investigation is conducted.
Road and construction safety remains a significant issue in Thailand. The site of Saturday’s collapse is part of a major highway connecting Bangkok to the southern region of the country, which has faced criticism due to prolonged construction delays and frequent fatal accidents.
The Transport Minister said new regulations are being implemented to penalize contractors responsible for construction accidents, blacklisting them from future government projects.
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