The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has said it will hire independent inspectors to check the Onnut-Lat Krabang overpass construction site, where a deadly accident took place recently.

On the evening of July 10, a section of the 20-metre-high elevated concrete bridge and its supporting beam fell on the road in front of the Lotus Department Store on Luang Phaeng Road in Bangkok’s Lat Krabang district.

Two construction workers were killed and 17 people were injured in the accident. Vehicles were also damaged and traffic came to a standstill.

“The BMA will hire an independent inspector to check the removal plan, as well as inspect the strength and stability of the structure to determine if we can still use it, and how the construction of the overpass can continue safely,” Bangkok deputy governor Wisanu Subsompon said on Monday.

He added that the inspector should commence work next week.

The project contractor, Tharawan-Napha Joint Venture, had proposed that the structure and debris be removed from the area.

However, the BMA and the Engineering Institute of Thailand had instructed it to revise the plan to ensure the safety of workers.

In the meantime, the contractor will install temporary supporting beams to prevent other parts of the structure from collapsing, he said.

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt, meanwhile, said removing the collapsed structure and debris will not be easy as safety measures must be carefully implemented to prevent the structure from further collapsing.

“The inspector will see if the remaining structure is strong enough to support the rest of the construction as well as pinpoint any risky areas that the contractor must exercise caution over,” he said. “There are lots of technical details to look into and the BMA will need the help of experts to ensure the safety of workers and to regain public confidence.”