The Department of Highways said that the recent fatal collapse of a bridge beam at the Dao Khanong toll plaza along Chalerm Mahanakorn Expressway was caused by human error. The incident which happened early Saturday morning, claimed six lives and injured more than 20 others.
In a The Nation update, Department of Highways Director-General Apirat Chaiwongnoi said that the collapse was due to “improper fastening of the connectors between the concrete cross beam and the temporary steel frame support”. A department-led investigation committee would compile their findings and submit them to the police. In terms of project design and materials, which many netizens chime in as probably substandard, Apirat said that materials used are of the required specifications.
In regards with taking legal action against Udomsak Chiengmai, the project’s contractor, Director-General Apirat said that “measures would be taken to suspend construction, inspect work procedures, and review safety checklists.”