Race to clear Chalong Krung Road after storm topples 89 utility poles

The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) is urgently working to restore Chalong Krung Road in Lat Krabang district after heavy rain and strong winds toppled utility poles on Friday evening, damaging vehicles and disrupting power and communication lines.

The severe storm left a trail of destruction along Chalong Krung Road, one of the hardest-hit areas. Strong winds brought down 89 utility poles, which crushed more than 30 vehicles driving by or parked along the roadside.

The collapse also blew a tangled web of power and communication cables across the road surface, knocking out utilities and forcing police to close the affected lanes immediately.

M.L. Chulachak Chakrabandh, assistant governor of the MEA, inspected the site. He revealed that emergency crews, using cranes and heavy machinery, have already cleared over 80% of the obstructions. A detailed inspection showed that 32 of the 22-metre-high poles and 57 of the 32-metre-high poles were damaged in the storm.

The installation of replacement poles will, however, require extreme caution and precision. The MEA assistant governor noted that the drilling process must be handled carefully as there are underground gas pipelines directly beneath the original coordinates.

Addressing public concern over the damage, M.L. Chulachak offered his assurance that the MEA will take full responsibility for compensating those affected. Victims can file claims directly with the utility, which will cover all medical expenses for injuries as well as repair costs for damaged vehicles, buildings and houses.

Traffic on Chalong Krung Road is expected to return to normal by the end of today, though some minor delays may still occur in sections where technicians are completing the restoration of power supplies.