SAMUT SAKHON — A fatal accident occurred on Thailand’s notorious Rama 2 Highway when a concrete segment and launching gantry crane collapsed during construction, killing six workers and injuring several others.
The incident happened around 4:30 a.m. on November 29 during the connection of concrete beams at the Bang Khun Thian-Ban Phaeo elevated highway project. According to Samut Sakhon provincial authorities, the victims included two Thai and four Myanmar workers.
This latest tragedy adds to Rama 2’s grim statistics. Data shows 2,242 accidents occurred on this highway between 2018 and January 2024, resulting in 132 deaths and 1,305 injuries.
The 54-year-old highway, first constructed in 1970, has been plagued by delays and construction issues. Current traffic volume exceeds 250,000 vehicles daily, complicating construction work which can only be conducted between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that the contractor responsible will face penalties, including a 2-4 year ban from government projects. Three major construction projects are currently underway on Rama 2, with completion expected by September 2024, delayed from the original June target due to COVID-19 impacts.
Dr. Komsan Maleesee, KMITL President and civil engineering expert, attributes the safety issues to varying quality standards among multiple subcontractors. The highway currently has 17 contractors working across different sections, with some lacking experience in large-scale projects and proper safety measures.
According to Transport Minister Suriya, as of September, there are 3 ongoing construction projects on Rama 2:
- Rama 3-Dao Khanong-Western Outer Ring Road Expressway by Expressway Authority of Thailand – 80.92% complete, expected opening June 2025
- Elevated Highway 35 Bang Khun Thian-Ekachai (8.3 km) by Department of Highways – completion expected November 2024. 4 km trial section between Phanthai Norasing-Mahachai will open end of 2024
- Motorway 82 (M82) Bang Khun Thian-Ban Phaeo section Ekachai-Ban Phaeo (16.3 km) – completion June 2025, full service by 2027
Suriya stated that due to COVID-19, contractors can legally extend their contracts until late 2025. While this is within their contractual rights, he requested their cooperation to complete work by September 2025.
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