Kamphaeng Phet:A car plunged off the Sri Mongkol Wachiranusorn Bridge in Khlong Khlung District, injuring three people. The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about the bridge, which has been under repair for over three years.
According to Thai News Agency, CCTV footage captured the car driving on the Sri Mongkol Wachiranusorn Bridge, also known as Wang Kham Bridge, before it suddenly veered off the bridge late at night on October 15th. The bridge spans the Ping River in Moo 1, Wang Kham Subdistrict.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to assist the injured passengers Mr. Kriangsak, 47, who suffered chest pain; Mrs. Panisa, 45, with minor injuries; and their 11-year-old son, Thanapat. All were transported to Khlong Khlung Hospital. The vehicle was discovered overturned in a ditch over five meters deep and was subsequently retrieved.
The day after the incident, officials from the Kamphaeng Phet Rural Highway Department blocked the bridge entrance with cement rings to prevent further accidents. Mr. Manoch Saraphi, a senior civil engineer, stated that the accident occurred because the contractor repairing the bridge failed to replace barriers after collecting tools. Discussions about compensation for the injured have been proposed.
Mr. Nattapong Meechai, a disaster prevention officer, noted the site’s lack of barriers and lighting, which could mislead those unfamiliar with the area into thinking the bridge was accessible.
Mr. Kriangsak recounted the incident, explaining that he was traveling to Samut Prakan when he mistakenly drove onto the bridge after following a sign to Nakhon Sawan. His passenger noticed the missing road, but it was too late. The car fell into the collapsed section of the bridge before hitting the ground. Locals assisted the family and took them to the hospital, for which Mr. Kriangsak expressed his gratitude.
Mr. Yutthana Rakshachon, Director of the Rural Roads Office Region 8, visited the site to offer support and promised initial compensation, along with transportation assistance for the victims. Further legal discussions are planned.
The bridge has been closed for repairs for more than three years, causing significant inconvenience to local residents, with no indication of when repairs will be completed.