A riverbank gave way in Chai Nat yesterday, dragging vehicles into the Chao Phraya River. Four motorbikes have been retrieved but submerged trees are blocking recovery of cars. Authorities are waiting on heavy machinery to clear the obstructing trees.

 

Security cameras at Wat Thammamool Worawihan temple in Mueang Chai Nat District recorded the moment the riverbank and an accompanying parking area collapsed. The sound of a large crack was first heard followed by the collapse, which also caused disruption at a closeby school. Barely a minute later, a subsequent collapse pulled trees, a school parking structure, and numerous vehicles into the river.

 

The vehicles, three cars and eleven motorcycles, belonged to teachers, students, janitors, and cooks. A thorough check found that the collapsed area extended 60 meters along the riverbank and went as far as 30 meters inland. In addition to the vehicles, a monk's living quarters from the temple, a school parking structure, and three floating docks were destroyed.

 

The Ruamkatanyu Foundation's rescue teams have been searching the 8-meter-deep water since the incident occurred. While they have successfully pulled out four motorbikes, the recovery of the cars has been hindered by the underwater trees. Buoys have been set up to mark the locations of the vehicles until a Marine Department vessel and a crane from the Irrigation Department can remove the trees.

 

Despite the road close to the collapse being intact and currently open, as it is 4-5 meters away from the edge of the collapse, authorities urge the public to use alternate routes for now. The road section will be temporarily closed during car recovery for safety.

 

People living in the area and daily commuters are advised to follow updates and heed directions from officials for their own safety and to maintain the efficiency of recovery operations.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-06-11

 

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Overhead picture of the damage, plus temple CCTV of the cars disappearing into the river.

 

7 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

Overhead picture of the damage, plus temple CCTV of the cars disappearing into the river.

 

A pretty traumatic event for the owners of the vehicle to see.

Cars being removed from the river, yesterday afternoon.

 

So who was the idiot engineers who 'Built' it, who will pay for all the damaged vehicles ?

Not every body has insurance that would cover that. 

That archway needs to be shored up too, before that gives way also.