Two construction workers lost their lives in a tragic crane collapse in Thailand, just one day after a similar incident claimed 32 lives in a different part of the country. This latest accident occurred in Samut Sakhon, a bustling Bangkok suburb, where a crane being used for expressway construction crashed onto a highway, crushing cars and leaving a trail of dust and debris. The incident is particularly concerning as it follows another crane collapse in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, where a crane fell onto a moving train, injuring over 60 people.
Both accidents were handled by the same company, Italian-Thai Development, one of Thailand's largest builders. This company has also been implicated in a previous incident where a Bangkok skyscraper they were constructing collapsed during an earthquake last March, an event that was unique in the city as no other buildings fell. The frequency of these deadly construction accidents in Thailand is alarming, with around 150 people killed over the past seven years in various accidents on a road improvement project from Bangkok to the southern regions. The expressway where Thursday's collapse occurred has earned the nickname 'Death Road' due to multiple accidents in recent years.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has pledged to address 'negligence' in construction following the recent accidents. The State Railway of Thailand has also taken legal action against the Italian-Thai Development company, highlighting the need for stricter safety measures and enforcement of regulations in the construction industry. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in construction to prevent further loss of life.
