Chiang Rai: Railway Beams Collapse, Vehicles Crushed Following Earthquake

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures from responders

 

The earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March, had tremors felt across northern Thailand, particularly in Chiang Rai province. The earthquake, which originated at a depth of 10 km, was caused by the movement of the Sagaing Fault in Myanmar. While no casualties have been reported, the tremor caused structural damage in Chiang Rai.

 

The Governor of Chiang Rai, Mr Charin Thongsuk, ordered an immediate damage assessment across all 18 districts of the province. Initial reports confirm two main areas of damage:

 

1. Cultural Building at Wat Tha Kham, Sri Don Chai – A portion of the roof of this historic temple sustained damage.

 

2. Railway Construction Site in Pa Daet District. A section of the Den Chai–Chiang Rai–Chiang Khong double-track railway under construction suffered a collapse. Twenty massive concrete beams, each weighing 10 tonnes, fell from an elevated railway structure. The collapse crushed six vehicles parked nearby, including two ten-wheel lorries, four pickup trucks, and a motorcycle.

Despite the severity of the incident, authorities confirmed that no workers were injured or killed, as the earthquake struck during the lunch break, when most labourers were away from the construction site. The estimated cost of damages is around 15 million baht.

 

Local officials, including Pa Daet District Chief Khwantarakun Hanka, have conducted on-site inspections. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), along with municipal authorities, is assessing the stability of remaining structures and providing aid to those affected.

 

 

-- 2025-03-29

 

[ozz1]

It's  definitely not a place you would want to be under anytime let alone when a earthquake hits

[MikeandDow]

Thai constuction at its best !!

[edwinchester]

Is this a section of the new Hi Speed Railway?

[BrandonJT]

7 hours ago, edwinchester said:

Is this a section of the new Hi Speed Railway?

No. The new high speed railway is going to Vientiene. Nowhere near Chiang Rai