Bangkok: The last body of a victim from the crane collapse on Rama 2 Road has been recovered, as officials continue to clear the wreckage. After an exhaustive 14-hour operation, rescuers successfully retrieved the body of the deceased victim from a vehicle involved in the tragic incident. Attention now turns to the remaining structural elements, with authorities expecting the area to be cleared and traffic to resume within 15 days. The investigation into the incident continues, with no fault determined yet.
According to Thai News Agency, the collapse occurred on January 15, when a concrete beam and crane, part of the elevated highway project on Highway No. 82 (M82), Bang Khun Thian-Ban Phaeo section, Ekachai-Ban Phaeo, Rama 2 Road, in Tha Chin Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Sakhon District, fell onto two cars. This resulted in two fatalities and two injuries. The body of Mr. Sompong Chawapetchaboon was recovered by the afternoon, while Mr. Sarawut, aged 41, was found later at 11:29 PM due to the challenging conditions of multiple layers of heavy debris and minor road subsidence.
Efforts are underway to clear the site, involving two 550-ton cranes brought in by engineers to support the debris while awaiting further procedures from the Department of Highways. Experts are assessing the situation to devise a plan for lowering the cranes from the piers and restoring the road surface. The demolition process is estimated to require additional cranes and specialized equipment to cut and remove the structure. This process is expected to take around 15 days, during which traffic remains congested with only one lane of the parallel road open.
The legal investigation is ongoing, with Police Colonel Sittiporn Kasi of Samut Sakhon City Police Station stating that initial questioning of witnesses and injured parties has taken place. However, specific details remain undisclosed as they fall under the Samut Sakhon Provincial Fact-Finding Committee's jurisdiction. The outcomes of forensic and engineering department investigations are still pending.