The Ministry of Transport has ordered a 100% closure of the main traffic lanes on Rama 2 Road where construction is taking place, to ensure safety and remove crane debris. The closure will continue until the construction is completed. Authorities are expediting fact-finding after preliminary checks showed no workers were present at the incident site. Meanwhile, regarding the crane collapse onto a high-speed train at Si Khio District, a railway board meeting is scheduled for 29 January to consider terminating the contract with Italian-Thai, due to contract breaches including failure to notify the train station in advance to halt train operations during construction.
Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, revealed updates on the investigation into the crane collapse during high-speed train construction between Lam Takhong – Si Khio and Kut Chik – Khok Kruat sections, where the crane fell onto a moving train passing the construction site. He said the investigation is ongoing. The death toll has reached 30, with 66 injured. Compensation has begun from the State Railway and insurance companies. Further details will be reviewed to provide appropriate additional compensation.
Regarding the crane collapse at the railway construction site in Si Khio District, the Prime Minister ordered contract termination. Mr. Phiphat and relevant agencies conducted a preliminary review, acknowledging contractual and contractor errors. Each construction site must notify train stations in advance to temporarily suspend train services during work. However, there was no prior communication requesting trains to stop, violating the contract terms between the client and contractor.
He admitted he lacks authority to cancel the contract, as the State Railway of Thailand is a state enterprise. The error is the railway’s responsibility. Any contract termination decision must be submitted to the legal subcommittee meeting scheduled for 29 January. Pending contracts will await the railway board’s decision on further action.
On the ongoing fact-finding, the State Railway has summoned the contractor for questioning. Two causes are being investigated: personnel and management by the contractor, and the materials and equipment used. It is confirmed that cranes used for construction must undergo annual maintenance inspections as required by law.
He emphasized the need for penalties against the contractor due to the accident and fatalities. Preventive measures must be stricter than usual. Future projects will add control measures alongside a penalty point system; details are currently with the Comptroller General’s Department.
Regarding the investigation into the concrete beam and crane incident at the Bang Khun Thian – Ban Phaeo elevated highway section (Ekachai – Ban Phaeo, section 7), the Transport Minister stressed that responsibility will not be denied. Preliminary checks found all site activities ceased by 05:00 to restore the road surface, so no construction workers were present. The cause is still being determined.
He acknowledged that road users on Rama 2 may face traffic disruptions as officials have agreed to fully close traffic lanes during construction until completion. The parallel road will remain open as usual. The construction contract ends at the end of May; if unfinished, the contractor will be fined 4.7 million baht per day.
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