Concrete Counterweight Falls from Crane onto Rama IV Road, Crushing Car

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders. Dash-cam below.

 

A heavy concrete counterweight used to stabilise a crane fell onto Rama IV Road this afternoon, crushing a car and damaging power lines. Authorities are worked swiftly to clear the scene.

 

At approximately 16.05, the Rama 199 Emergency Radio Centre received a report of a crane-related incident on Rama IV Road near a prominent building in the Silom area of Bang Rak District. Firefighters and rescue teams from Bang Rak Station were immediately dispatched to the scene.

 

Upon arrival responders found a large concrete block, which serves as a counterweight for a crane, lying in the middle of the road. The block had fallen from the crane, crushing a car parked nearby and pulling down several electrical wires.

 

The crane company’s team quickly began removing the concrete block, while officials from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority worked on repairing the damaged power lines. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.

 

The incident caused significant traffic congestion in the area, as authorities cordoned off parts of the road to facilitate the removal of the debris and ensure public safety. Witnesses reported hearing a loud crash as the concrete block fell, followed by sparks from the damaged power lines.

 

Authorities are now investigating the cause of the accident to determine whether it was due to equipment failure or human error. Local officials have called on construction companies to prioritise safety and ensure proper equipment maintenance to prevent similar incidents in the future.

 

-- 2024-12-15

 

 

 

 

[JoePai]

The crane company’s team quickly began removing the concrete block and knocking out the dents in the car

[Will B Good]

Lucky the crane didn't topple having lost its counterweight!!!

 

The crane driver must have had a really good amulet.

[scorecard]

3 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

Lucky the crane didn't topple having lost its counterweight!!!

 

The crane driver must have had a really good amulet.

I wonder if the crane owner has a well communicated regular checking process, how often and who is responsible? And what checking process / how often is specifically the responsibility of the crane driver? 

[worgeordie]

They need to bolt it onto the crane ,piece of wire is not good enough 🤕

 

 

regards worgeordie

[Will B Good]

3 minutes ago, scorecard said:

I wonder if the crane owner has a well communicated regular checking process, how often and who is responsible? And what checking process / how often is specifically the responsibility of the crane driver? 

 

I  doubt that there are clear, effective policies in place and if there are you still have to carry them out, and then you need some competent to carry them out......too much effort and cost....easier to wing it.

[Will B Good]

1 minute ago, worgeordie said:

They need to bolt it onto the crane ,piece of wire is not good enough 🤕

 

 

regards worgeordie

 

 

Wife is in the middle of building a small 'restaurant' and bar.......eucalyptus wood and bamboo.......the whole thing is wired.....no nails, no screws, no brackets........!!!!!

[hotandsticky]

10 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

Wife is in the middle of building a small 'restaurant' and bar.......eucalyptus wood and bamboo.......the whole thing is wired.....no nails, no screws, no brackets........!!!!!

 

 

 

It should last for the lifespan of the business..............

[THEN]

That L shaped concrete thing does not look like a typical counterweight? And if it was it should be at the diagonal side of the building where the crane is mounted?

It looks like an over capacity lift or failing lifting gears?
Lucky the crane did not collapse and nobody was hurt.

[Will B Good]

15 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

 

It should last for the lifespan of the business..............

 

My thoughts exactly......but, as a farang, I'm aware I know nothing about anything.

[Mr Meeseeks]

Falling cranes and dropped loads are a daily occurrence. 

 

More competence, supervision, and better management of lifting operations is desperately needed.