Driver Killed by Falling Steel Plate at Pathum Thani Site

A 27-year-old trailer lorry driver was killed instantly after a massive steel plate slipped from an excavator and crushed him at a construction site in Pathum Thani on Monday afternoon.

The fatal workplace incident happened on 27 July at a Royal Irrigation Department floodgate construction project in Moo 7, Sala Khru subdistrict, Nong Suea district. Police from Nong Suea Police Station, investigators and Ruamkatanyu Foundation rescue workers attended the scene after receiving reports that a worker had been struck by a heavy object.

Steel plate falls during loading operation

The victim was identified as 27-year-old Phakphum, who had driven an 18-wheel trailer to the site to collect and transport large steel plates as part of the construction project.

According to his 25-year-old wife, Pornthip, her husband had parked the lorry and was changing its battery while waiting for the load to be prepared. At the same time, an excavator was lifting a large steel plate onto the trailer.

She said the lifting mechanism or attachment suddenly failed, causing the heavy steel plate to break free and fall onto her husband. Workers nearby rushed to help, but he died at the scene from the severity of his injuries.

Picture courtesy of Naewna

Police secured the area to preserve evidence before the body was removed to the HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Centre at Srinakharinwirot University, Khlong 16, for a post-mortem examination.

Investigation into safety procedures

Pornthip said her husband had been the family’s sole breadwinner and leaves behind two young children. Speaking through tears, she said the sudden loss had left the family facing severe financial hardship and that they hoped to receive appropriate compensation and support.

Investigators have summoned the excavator operator, the construction site supervisor and witnesses for questioning. Police are also coordinating with engineering safety authorities and representatives of the Royal Irrigation Department to examine the lifting equipment, machinery and safety procedures in place at the site.

The investigation will determine whether negligence contributed to the fatal incident and whether criminal charges should follow. Construction remains one of Thailand’s higher-risk industries, and serious workplace accidents involving heavy machinery are periodically reported.

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28 July 2026