A devastating bridge collapse in Bangkok has triggered an urgent rescue operation, with authorities racing against time to save dozens trapped beneath the rubble. The under-construction Dao Khanong Expressway Bridge came crashing down onto Rama II Road in Chom Thong district at 1:48 AM on March 15, leaving at least seven dead and many others injured.
Frantic Search for Survivors
Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate around 30 people still believed to be buried under the debris. Officials from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, along with emergency responders from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, were already on the scene when police arrived.
The collapse occurred when a massive concrete beam structure, meant to support the new bridge, gave way under extreme pressure. Expressway Authority of Thailand governor Surachet Laophulsuk revealed that early investigations point to an excessive amount of concrete being poured onto the beam connecting the Rama X Bridge to the Rama II off-ramp. The sheer weight caused the structure to crack and buckle, resulting in catastrophic failure.
A Grim Scene of Destruction
The aerial view of the wreckage paints a grim picture, with large sections of the expressway completely severed. The collapse has shut down Chom Thong Burana Road, which connects to Rama II Road, blocking all lanes and causing severe disruptions in Bang Mod, Bang Khun Thian, and Chom Thong districts.
Rescue teams are using specialized tools and search dogs to navigate the dangerous terrain, carefully removing debris while ensuring no further collapse. The operation remains delicate as the unstable structure continues to pose risks to both survivors and responders.
Disturbing Similarities to Past Incidents
Alarming reports suggest that the collapsed bridge was built using the same structural framework as the elevated expressway that failed on Rama II Road in November 2024. This raises concerns about whether fundamental flaws in construction methods are to blame. Investigations are underway, and authorities have vowed to hold those responsible accountable.
Mr. Surachet assured the public that the inbound lane of the Dao Khanong Expressway should be operational within a week, but repairing the outbound lane will take at least a month. The Transport Ministry had initially scheduled the project’s completion for late 2025, but this incident will likely delay progress.
A Matter of Accountability and Safety
The collapse has reignited debates over construction safety and oversight in Thailand. On one hand, large infrastructure projects are essential for easing Bangkok’s notorious traffic congestion, but rushed timelines and oversight failures can lead to disastrous consequences. While officials insist that the bridge’s design was not at fault, the construction process itself is now under scrutiny.
For now, the priority remains rescuing those trapped and ensuring no further loss of life. However, once the dust settles, tough questions will need to be answered about the safety of Thailand’s growing infrastructure. Because when lives are at stake, shortcuts and miscalculations are simply not an option.
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