Bangkok: A landslide at the Orange Line MRT construction site at Lan Luang Station resulted in a worker falling into a 19-meter deep pile hole. Officials have mobilized a team to search for the victim.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident was reported at 12:30 p.m. by the Nang Loeng investigation officer. The accident occurred during the demolition of piles at the old skywalk of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in the construction area of the Orange Line Project, specifically between Soi Lan Luang 6 and Soi Lan Luang 8 in Pom Prap Sattru Phai District. The worker, identified as Mr. Sarawut, 33, from Sisaket Province, was tightening bolts at the mouth of the hole when a landslide caused by earlier rain dragged him down. Coworkers tried to rescue him, but the fast-moving ground buried him before they could reach him.
Following the incident, the Royal Project Traffic Police attempted a rescue by lowering themselves into the hole using a sling and manually digging the soil to create an air gap. However, they were unsuccessful due to the clay nature of the soil, which necessitated the use of a backhoe to dig and expand the area around the hole. Efforts to prevent further soil sliding using plywood were unsuccessful, prompting a change in strategy.
Mr. Phet Phumma, Director of Pom Prap Sattru Phai District and incident commander, stated that expert assessments revealed the inadequacy of using a backhoe and plywood to contain the sliding soil. The landslide also posed a risk to nearby structures, including an electric pole. Due to these risks, the rescue plan shifted to using steel sheet piles instead of continuing with the backhoe. The excavation had to be paused until the necessary equipment was sourced from a contractor in Pathum Thani.
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) attributed the initial cause of the landslide to continuous rain. The MRTA is expediting assistance to the affected workers and has apologized for the incident. They have ordered an urgent investigation by consultants and contractors to identify the cause and implement preventive measures to avert future occurrences.