Bangkok condo construction accident injures six, halts project

A construction accident at a condominium site in Bangkok resulted in six workers being injured when a dust barrier collapsed from the sixth floor. Four of the workers sustained serious injuries. The project has been temporarily halted pending a thorough investigation.

At around 6.30pm yesterday, November 6, police officer Sombat Saengmanee, along with other police, was notified of an accident at a construction site located on Samsen Soi 24 in Dusit district. Upon arrival, they discovered the site where the steel framework of a dust barrier had come crashing down.

The collapse led to six construction workers being injured, one of whom suffered severe injuries when a reinforcing steel rod pierced their chest. Colleagues on site, along with a rescue team, used cutting tools to free the victim, taking over 40 minutes before the individual could be safely transported to a nearby hospital.

The remaining five workers also suffered injuries, with three of them in serious condition and two sustaining minor injuries. They were immediately taken to a hospital for treatment. The construction site management restricted media access, allowing observation only from a distance to maintain safety and privacy.

Thatsanai Champa-ngern, the assistant manager of safety for the project, clarified that the incident was not due to a crane or scaffolding collapse. Instead, it occurred because a dust barrier fell from the sixth floor, approximately 18 metres high, collapsing three sections, reported KhaoSod.

Normally, a team of about 10 workers from a contracted construction company oversees this area. Although the company is known for its expertise, the incident coincided with a change in the work team. Miscommunication during the handover between the supervisors and the new team, which started work at 10am, is suspected to have contributed to the accident that occurred around 6pm, said Thatsanai.

“Following the incident, the company has temporarily halted construction to allow for a detailed investigation by relevant agencies, including the Dusit district office and emergency management officials, as well as local police.”

“The company provides initial medical care benefits for the injured workers, and they have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.”