Samut Sakhon —
At 4:00 AM on November 29th, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit expressed his deepest condolences following a tragic bridge collapse on Rama 2 Road in Samut Sakhon, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to multiple others.
Suriya instructed the Department of Highways (DOH) to immediately assist the victims and their families, providing financial compensation and other forms of support.
He also announced the formation of a committee to investigate the accident, with a report expected within 15 days. In the meantime, construction at the site has been suspended, and experienced engineers have been brought in to oversee the safe removal of debris and ensure no further risks to public safety.
In response to the tragedy, Suriya called for stricter safety protocols, including mandatory safety audits by state agencies and contractors, the appointment of dedicated safety managers, and the adoption of international standards like ISO safety certifications.
He also advocated for harsher penalties for contractors responsible for accidents, including potential suspension from bidding on public projects for up to four years.
Addressing public concerns over ongoing construction delays on Rama 2 Road, Suriya clarified that the completion deadline had been extended to December 2025 due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he urged contractors to expedite their work safely, aiming for completion by September 2025.
Read our previous stories about the Rama 2 accidents:
Fatal Bangkok Construction Accident at Rama 2: Crane Mishap Results in One Death, One Injury.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
