Construction worker killed in Rama II crane collapse

A construction worker was killed when a crane toppled at a construction site on Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon province this afternoon.

According to traffic radio station JS100, the incident occurred on the outbound side of Rama II Road near the Khlong Luang Bridge U-turn in Muang district.

Part of the outbound carriageway was temporarily closed to allow authorities to investigate the cause of the accident.

Rescue teams worked to remove the fallen crane and reopen the area as quickly as possible. The closure caused heavy congestion on the outbound carriageway.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area if possible, or exercise extra caution and monitor official traffic updates.

A preliminary investigation found that the accident occurred while the crane was lifting a concrete pile into position. The suspended pile suddenly swung, creating a strong lateral force that caused the crane to lose its balance and topple.

The crane operator's assistant was trapped beneath the machine and died at the scene.

An initial inspection found no signs of subsidence beneath the crane, which had been positioned on the existing concrete road surface.

Officials also said the accident was not related to the M82 elevated motorway construction project.