10 hurt in traffic overpass collapse
published : 24 Jan 2021 at 04:00
newspaper section: News
writer: Prasit Tungprasert
Nakhon Ratchasima: Ten mostly migrant construction workers were injured in the collapse of a traffic overpass in Muang district yesterday.
Pol Capt Thatchapon Meephuang, an investigator with Jorhor police, said the incident occurred at an overpass which was under construction on the ring road to the north of downtown Nakhon Ratchasima. It is located near Highway 205 junction on Sura Narai Road in tambon Khok Sung.
It is part of a 14.5 kilometre-ring road project being built under the supervision of the Department of Highways with a budget of 1.4 billion baht.
The collapse injured nine migrant workers from Cambodia and Myanmar and one Thai. They were admitted to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, Bangkok Hospital Ratchasima and Saint Mary's Hospital. Some sustained broken arms and legs.
Police found the metal structure which supported the overpass construction had caved in, possibly from heavy cement being poured above. The structure may not have been able to withstand the weight.
The Highways Maintenance Management Office 10 (Nakhon Ratchasima) reported that traffic in the area as well as the road surface and lighting were not affected as the construction site was off the traffic area.
An investigation has begun.
The builder, See Sang Chokechai Consortium, has been ordered to dismantle the scaffolding and debris, and provide medical support for the injured.
