Crisis on Rama IV Road: The Falling Beam
In a shocking turn of events on Saturday, a concrete beam plummeted from a crane at the Srifuengfung Building on Rama IV Road, causing damage to three vehicles in its wake. Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt swiftly took action, halting all demolition work at the site following the disastrous incident.
Investigation Unveiled
Governor Chadchart, alongside deputy governor Wissanu Sabsomphon and representatives from the Thailand Structural Engineers Association (TSEA), visited the scene to assess the situation. It was revealed that the massive 12-storey building, with an additional mezzanine floor, had received approval for demolition back in June 2024.
The incident occurred at 4 pm as a concrete beam was being lowered by a crane from the sixth floor of the building. Preliminary findings suggest a potential electrical malfunction in the crane operator’s cab led to the sling slipping, resulting in the tragic cascade of construction materials onto unsuspecting pickup trucks below.
Response and Recovery Efforts
Efforts were promptly mobilized, with firefighters, electricity officials, and Bang Rak rescue workers swiftly clearing the debris to ensure the road could resume normal operations with minimal disruption. Governor Chadchart emphasized the gravity of the situation, expressing relief that there were no reported injuries as a result of the incident.
In light of the unfolding events, a suspension of all demolition activities has been enforced until a thorough investigation is concluded within the next 15 days. TSEA president Amorn Pimanmas reassured the public that a detailed examination is underway to ascertain the root causes behind the catastrophic beam collapse.
This unfortunate turn of events serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety protocols in construction projects, urging authorities and stakeholders to prioritize the well-being of individuals and the integrity of structures for a secure urban landscape.