Bangkok, Jan 15, 2026: Thailand is reeling from two consecutive deadly crane failures tied to one of the country’s largest construction firms, Italian-Thai Development. On Thursday, a crane collapsed at a highway construction site near Bangkok, killing two people, following a previous collapse a day earlier that claimed 32 lives.

Thursday Incident: Rama II Expressway

The latest accident occurred at the under-construction Rama II Expressway in Samut Sakhon province, a key highway connecting Bangkok to southern Thailand. Dashcam footage verified by AFP captured the crane toppling, sending clouds of dust and debris across the roadway. Local police confirmed two fatalities, while Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn emphasized the need to determine whether the collapse was accidental or due to negligence.

The Rama II Expressway has been undergoing major expansion to ease congestion, but the project has a history of deadly accidents, earning it the grim nickname “Death Road.” Past incidents include a concrete beam collapse in March 2025 and a crane collapse in November 2024 that killed at least three workers.

Wednesday Incident: Nakhon Ratchasima High-Speed Rail Project

The previous day, a massive launching gantry crane, operated by Italian-Thai for a China-backed high-speed rail project in Nakhon Ratchasima, northeast of Bangkok, fell onto a passenger train below. The accident resulted in 32 confirmed deaths, three missing persons, and 64 injuries, seven of them critical. The crane operator, a Thai national, also died.

Italian-Thai has expressed condolences and pledged compensation for the victims and to cover medical expenses. Thailand’s rail operator ordered the firm to halt construction pending a full investigation, and Transport Minister Phiphat vowed accountability for all involved, including the company and a Chinese consultancy.

Safety Concerns and Public Response

Local witnesses described the Thursday crash as narrowly avoiding additional casualties, while footage shows construction workers and relatives visiting the scene to mourn. Italian-Thai has faced scrutiny in recent years after several deadly construction mishaps at its projects, raising concerns about safety protocols and oversight.

With back-to-back fatal crane collapses, authorities are under pressure to investigate structural safety, labor practices, and adherence to regulations at ongoing infrastructure projects. The Thai public and government alike are demanding thorough accountability to prevent further tragedies.

Summary: Two consecutive crane collapses in Thailand, linked to Italian-Thai Development, have caused 34 confirmed deaths over two days. The incidents highlight persistent safety issues at major construction projects, prompting investigations and calls for accountability.