The Ministry of Transport and the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) have initiated civil and criminal lawsuits against a contractor following the collapse of a concrete beam on the Rama III-Dao Khanong Expressway during construction last Saturday on Rama II Road, which resulted in six deaths and 24 injuries.
Legal actions were undertaken by Transport Ministry spokesman Krichanont Iyapunya and Exat governor Surachet Laophulsuk on Friday, targeting both the contractor and the company linked to the expressway collapse.
A segment of the expressway’s Dao Khanong exit ramp, spanning 15 meters, was destroyed in the collapse, necessitating the closure of outbound lanes.
However, the inbound lanes at the Dao Khanong toll plaza on the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway, which suffered partial damage, were reopened on Thursday.
Exat has prioritized the swift reconstruction of the affected expressway section.
Mr. Kritchanont announced that evidence pertaining to the collapse had been forwarded to the police to facilitate an investigation and potential legal action against the implicated parties, highlighting that both individuals and corporate entities suspected of corruption related to the incident would be prosecuted.
A committee has been formed to determine the cause of the collapse by scrutinizing construction materials, imported equipment, and work procedures.
The investigative process, set to be completed within 20 days, will include laboratory tests and evaluations of procedural lapses.
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is also examining the procurement procedures for the project, estimated to cost between 7-8 billion baht.
Should negligence be proven, those found culpable could face penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a 200,000 baht fine for causing deaths, or up to three years and a 60,000-baht fine for causing serious injuries, not accounting for civil damages.
The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC), along with the Lawyers Council, are exploring assistance options for victims of the collapse on Rama II Road.
TCC secretary-general Saree Ongsomwang noted that since Rama II Road was constructed in 1973, it has witnessed over 2,500 construction-related accidents, which have resulted in 144 fatalities and injuries to 1,400 individuals.
She advocated for lump-sum compensation for the families of the deceased and ongoing monthly payments for the injured.
Sumet Ongkittikul, vice president of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), has urged a thorough investigation into the quality of construction and oversight of projects on this road.
