Rama II Expressway Crane Collapse: Driver Injured, Safety Concerns Soar
Crane Crash on Rama II Expressway Adds to Road’s Troubled History
A crane plummeted from the under-construction Rama II Expressway early Friday morning, injuring the driver of a pickup truck below and adding another chapter to the road’s growing list of construction mishaps. The Bangkok Post reports the incident occurred around 2:45 a. m. on the Bang Khunthian-Ban Phaeo section of the M82 motorway in tambon Na Di, Muang district, Samut Sakhon province.
The six-wheeled crane, bearing Rayong license plates, landed on a white Toyota Revo pickup truck carrying medical supplies and registered in Bangkok. The impact caused significant damage to the pickup’s right side and injured the 36-year-old driver, Natthaphon Khun-amsa. He was promptly transported to Ekachai Hospital by the Samut Sakhon Rescue Foundation.
Police Colonel Arnon Thippawan, chief of Muang Samut Sakhon police station, explained that the crane, parked on the construction site above, “accidentally slipped and fell onto the road below.” Traffic flow, temporarily halted to facilitate the crane’s removal, returned to normal later in the morning. Authorities have summoned witnesses and the crane operator for questioning.
This incident follows a pattern of construction accidents plaguing the Rama II Expressway project. Just last month, a beam collapse on the Rama III-Dao Khanong section of Rama II Road tragically claimed six lives and injured 24 others. This troubling trend raises serious concerns about safety protocols and oversight on the project.
Here’s a timeline of recent major incidents on Rama II Road construction sites:
- May 2023: A worker was killed by a falling concrete slab.
- January 18, 2024: A snapped sling killed a worker and caused the crane’s lifting basket to fall.
- November 29, 2024: A broken sling led to six deaths and eight injuries.
- March 2025: A beam collapse resulted in six deaths and 24 injuries.
- April 4, 2025: A crane fell onto a pickup truck, injuring the driver.
Rama II Road serves as the primary artery connecting Bangkok to the southern region, including popular tourist destinations like Hua Hin. Recognizing the economic impact of chronic traffic congestion on this vital route, the government initiated the expressway project to alleviate travel times. However, construction delays, frequent accidents, and subsequent road closures have paradoxically exacerbated congestion, particularly during peak travel periods. This situation mirrors similar challenges faced in other rapidly developing nations where infrastructure projects struggle to keep pace with growing traffic demands and sometimes compromise safety for speed.
The Department of Highways reports over 2,500 accidents on Rama II Road (km 0 to km 84) between 2018 and March 15, 2025, resulting in 144 deaths and 1,440 injuries. These statistics underscore the urgent need for improved safety measures and stricter adherence to construction regulations.
Is this the last incident we’ll see on this project? Unfortunately, given the history, it seems unlikely. The authorities must prioritize thorough investigations, rigorous safety audits, and potentially revised construction practices to prevent future tragedies. What are the long-term consequences for the project’s timeline? Further delays are almost inevitable, potentially impacting tourism and economic activity in the southern region. Will there be any regulatory changes following this incident? Public pressure is mounting for increased accountability and stricter enforcement of safety standards in infrastructure projects nationwide.
In conclusion, the recent crane accident on Rama II underscores the ongoing challenges and safety concerns surrounding this crucial infrastructure project. Addressing these issues effectively is essential not only for the project’s successful completion but also for the safety and well-being of workers and commuters alike.
