1 dead, 3 seriously injured in Bangkok lift tragedy
A tragic accident occurred when an outdated lift at an air conditioning equipment store in the Taling Chan area of Bangkok malfunctioned, leading to one fatality and three serious injuries. The lift, unable to support more than 300 kilogrammes, resulted in a deadly fall.
The incident took place at a five-storey building on Ratchaphruek Road, where the company sells home air conditioning equipment. The lift, located on the left side of the building’s ground floor, plummeted, resulting in the death of 43 year old Amanat, the head technician, who was found lying in a pool of blood.
Inside the lift, three 20-litre water tanks, a toolbox, five eucalyptus wooden poles, and a bucket of bricks were discovered.
Three other people suffered severe injuries: 51 year old Wirachai, the company owner, was taken to Srisiwattana Hospital; 25 year old Sai from Myanmar, also received treatment at Srisiwattana Hospital; and 26 year old Ton from Laos, was transported to Siriraj Hospital.
An investigation revealed that the lift was an old model, resembling an open-ceiling basket, supported by a single cable, and capable of holding no more than 300 kilogrammes. The top hook of the basket broke, causing the lift’s catastrophic fall.
An employee, 48 year old Nantaporn stated that before the accident occurred, everyone was transporting items to build a birdcage on the fifth floor. The combined weight of the individuals, who were all relatively of large build, may have exceeded the lift’s capacity, causing the cable to snap and the lift to fall.
Detailed inspections showed that the lift was approximately 2 metres tall, with an open ceiling. The eucalyptus poles, 3 metres in length each, caused the cable to hit the building’s ceiling when the lift reached the top floor. Due to its outdated design, the lift lacked sensors and tried to forcefully reach its original position.
The poles blocked the lift’s movement, causing the cable’s hook to break, which led to the lift’s fall, resulting in one death and several injuries.
Officials, including police and forensic teams, responded to the scene. Chaiwat Namchanda, a police officer from Taling Chan, received the report of a lift cable snapping, leading to multiple casualties.
Chaiwat was joined by Kampanat Arunkeeriroj, a senior metropolitan police officer, Montchai Arunsonsangdee, the Taling Chan Police Station superintendent, Koson Yomsri, an investigative officer, as well as forensic specialists, doctors from Siriraj Hospital, and the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, reported KhaoSod.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Thai Newsroom reports a tragic accident at Suvarnabhumi airport where a repairman was killed by a malfunctioning lift counterweight while fixing an adjacent unit, prompting an investigation into safety protocols. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why is regular maintenance crucial for outdated equipment?
To prevent accidents like malfunctioning lifts, ensuring safety and compliance with current standards.
How could modern technology have prevented this tragedy?
Advanced sensors and weight monitoring systems could have detected overload, stopping the lift before failure.
What if outdated equipment continues to be used in commercial settings?
Increased risks of accidents and fatalities lead to potential legal and financial repercussions for businesses.
Why is it important to consider weight limits in lifts?
Exceeding limits compromises lift integrity, risking structural failure and endangering lives.
How can businesses ensure the safety of their equipment?
Implementing regular inspections, updates, and compliance checks with safety regulations.
