PUBLISHED: 1 Sep 2024 at 08:01
NAKHON RATCHASIMA: An investigative team has been assigned to probe the recent collapse of a railway tunnel, leading to the unfortunate deaths of three construction workers, as confirmed by the local police superintendent.
The superintendent stated that investigators will conduct interviews with workers, the contracting company, and representatives from engineering councils to gather insights for the investigation.
Authorities will also examine a preliminary inquiry conducted by the State Railway of Thailand to assess compliance with design, regulatory, and safety standards. The police investigation is expected to take time to yield conclusive results.
Construction on the tunnel has been suspended while engineers and contractors discuss safe measures moving forward.
Tragically, the deceased—two from China and one from Myanmar—were inside the tunnel when it collapsed following heavy rains on the night of August 27.
The incident occurred roughly 1.5 kilometers from the tunnel’s entrance, located near Khlong Khanan Chit station in Pak Chong district.
Rescue operations faced challenges due to ongoing construction and difficult conditions, with the first victim’s body recovered last Thursday and the other two on Friday.
An expert in tunneling and underground construction remarked that this incident should act as a cautionary tale for all parties engaged in complex construction endeavors.
He emphasized that varying soil and rock conditions necessitate distinct equipment and expertise. The tunnel’s construction utilized a “drill and blast” method, which, while often cheaper than boring techniques, poses safety concerns.
With appropriate design, machinery, and safety measures in place, he noted that the “drill and blast” approach can be executed safely.
