In the early hours of March 15, 2025, a section of the under-construction Dao Khanong Expressway Bridge collapsed onto Rama II Road in Bangkok’s Chom Thong district. The disaster resulted in seven confirmed fatalities, sixteen injuries, and an estimated thirty individuals trapped beneath the rubble.
Details of the Collapse
At approximately 1:48 AM local time, a concrete beam structure from the Dao Khanong Expressway Bridge construction project crashed down upon the existing expressway bridge. The collapse site was situated roughly 200 meters from a tollbooth, along a segment of the Rama III – Dao Khanong Expressway development. The incident entirely severed the expressway, which serves as a transportation connection to Bangkok’s Bang Mod, Bang Khun Thian, and Chom Thong districts. Additionally, Chom Thong Burana Road, which intersects with Rama II Road at the construction site, was completely obstructed across all lanes.
Emergency Response
Emergency personnel from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department and the Poh Teck Tung Foundation were promptly on the scene, conducting rescue operations. Specialized teams proceeded cautiously due to potential secondary collapses from destabilized structures. The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department deployed specialized rescue equipment and search dogs to assist in locating survivors and recovering victims. Rescue operations continued throughout the day as emergency crews worked to locate approximately thirty individuals believed to be trapped beneath the debris.
Government and Contractor Response
The contractor responsible for the project has been ordered to suspend work for 14 days pending an investigation into the causes of the collapse. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit expressed condolences and assured that victims would be compensated by contractors and relevant agencies. Bangkok police commander Siam Boonsom stated that authorities are investigating to determine the cause of the collapse and will pursue legal actions against those found responsible.
Historical Context of Construction Accidents in Thailand
Construction site accidents are common in Thailand, where lax enforcement of safety regulations often leads to deadly incidents. A crane collapse in Samut Sakhon, west of Bangkok, in November last year, killed three workers and injured 10 others. In March 2024, seven people died in a similar crane collapse incident at a factory east of the capital. In 2023, at least two people died and a dozen were injured when a road bridge under construction in Bangkok collapsed.
Conclusion
The tragic collapse of the Dao Khanong Expressway Bridge highlights ongoing concerns regarding construction safety standards in Thailand. As investigations proceed, there is a pressing need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent future incidents and protect the lives of workers and the public
