Expressway Authority Clears Debris
Swift Action Taken to Restore Traffic Flow
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) has made significant progress in clearing the debris from the collapsed bridge on Rama II Road. The inbound lane to the expressway, affected by the collapse on Saturday, is expected to reopen by Thursday. Work to demolish the collapsed bridge is now 90% complete, showcasing the authority’s commitment to swift restoration.
Tragic Incident Details
Lives Lost and Injuries Sustained
The collapse occurred when a concrete beam under construction near the expressway entrance fell onto the main structure. This tragic event resulted in six fatalities and left at least 22 people injured. The incident has prompted a thorough investigation and recovery effort.
Ongoing Cleanup Operations
Expert Teams Working Round the Clock
Engineers and experts have been tirelessly working to clear the steel structures impacted by the collapse at the Dao Khanong-Rama III expressway construction site. As of now, 95% of the clearance work has been completed, demonstrating the efficiency of the recovery efforts.
Road Repair and Reopening Plans
Inbound Lane Set to Welcome Traffic Soon
Exat governor Surachet Laophulsuk announced that the damaged road will be repaired once all debris has been removed. The authority is accelerating the restoration of the inbound lane to minimize public inconvenience while maintaining strict safety controls during the debris removal process.
Outbound Section Challenges
Extensive Damage Requires More Time
The outbound Dao Khanong expressway section, which suffered significant damage, is being addressed with heavy machinery. Excavators are being used to break up the collapsed structures before clearing the site. This section is expected to require more time for full restoration.
Contractor’s Response and Compensation
Italian-Thai Development Takes Responsibility
The contractor, Italian-Thai Development (ITD), has pledged to take responsibility by offering compensation and assistance to those affected. ITD is currently assessing the damage in collaboration with relevant parties, including project owners, engineering consultants, and insurance companies.
Insurance Coverage and Future Precautions
Comprehensive Insurance in Place
The construction project is covered by substantial insurance, including construction works worth approximately 7.35 billion baht, existing Exat assets worth 100 million baht, and third-party liability worth 100 million baht. This coverage ensures that financial resources are available for recovery and compensation.
Government Involvement
Improving Contractor Evaluation Process
The Comptroller General’s Department is working on a proposal to enhance the evaluation process for contractors. This initiative aims to prevent similar incidents in the future and improve overall construction safety standards.
