Bangkok: The Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT) has raised concerns over potential negligence related to a crane collapse incident on Rama 2 Road. The incident involved the crane's legs being placed on a thin concrete slab and inadequacies in locking the jacks in place.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chuleart Jitjuajun, Vice President of the Structural Engineers Association of Thailand (SEAT), conducted an on-site inspection with a team of structural engineers. Utilizing a drone, they surveyed the damage, collected data, and analyzed potential causes of the accident.

Initial observations from the Structural Engineers Association of Thailand suggest that negligence in operations may be a factor. The crane legs were reportedly positioned on a thinner segment of the concrete floor, leading to its subsidence under the maximum weight during the lifting of concrete components.

Mr. Chuleart indicated that the inspection revealed the crane leg had penetrated the floor slab, causing it to collapse. This aligns with the typical risks involved in lifting heavy concrete slabs, where insufficient floor support can lead to rapid structural failure.

Additionally, issues were identified in the hydraulic jack system and the steel sleeve enclosing the jack shaft. Gaps were found, and the jacks did not offer a complete 360-degree lock. Some securing nuts were missing, increasing the risk of movement or shifting under load.

Mr. Chuleart believes that the incident reflects violations of sound engineering principles, emphasizing the supervising engineer's duty to closely monitor the site. However, determining the precise cause necessitates further information, including installation procedures and photographic evidence from the operation, to support a thorough analysis.