Samut sakhon: A tragic accident occurred on Rama 2 Road, where a crane collapse resulted in the death of one worker. The Department of Highways confirmed that this incident is not connected to the M82 motorway elevated construction project.

According to Thai News Agency, the Bang Thorat Highway Section of the Department of Highways received notification at around 1:30 PM regarding the crane collapse at the Ban Phaeo interchange, part of the Rama 2 Expressway parallel road project in Samut Sakhon Province. The project, managed by the 1st Construction Division and contracted to Thanongsak Engineering Co., Ltd., experienced the accident when the crane lost balance while lifting a pile driver. The collapse resulted in the death of the assistant operator, Mr. Wichian Pongthonglang, 64, a long-time foreman at the site. Fortunately, no other workers were injured, and no damage to government or private property was reported.

Mr. Wichian, a native of Surin province, had been working as a crane operator at the site for over a decade. At the time of the incident, three workers were present. Witnesses reported that as the crane attempted to lower a foundation pile into a hole, Mr. Wichian climbed onto the crane to adjust the pile. The crane's steel bar bent under unbalanced weight, causing the crane to fall. It is believed that Mr. Wichian fell and hit the foundation pile, with blood stains found at the site. His body was discovered between the crane and the hammer used for pile driving. Initial investigations suggest that the road surface had not subsided, which might have contributed to the accident.

Authorities have reiterated that this unfortunate incident is unrelated to the ongoing M82 elevated motorway construction project.