BANGKOK, May 8 – The failure of the steel cable or wire rope supporting the platform carrying workers installing advertising banner on the exterior of Thailand’s tallest building, Baiyoke Tower II, killing three men, was caused by being overloaded, according to the initial investigation.
Pol Maj-Gen Anuchai Lekbamrung, deputy metropolitan police chief, released the information in response to the deaths of the three workers who fell to their deaths from the 68th floor of the Baiyoke Tower II Monday afternoon. He said the cable supporting the platform parted.
Gen Anuchai said the platform was broken due to carrying five persons, exceeding its weight capacity.
The officer said, however, that more investigation is needed before any charges are filed against anyone. The advertising company and the two survivors will also be questioned.
The men reportedly worked for Q Advertising Co, Ltd.
Gen Anuchai said the owner of the advertising installation company will give a statement and be questioned by the police today.
Surviivor Ploenjit Kongudom earlier said he and another man survived as they grasped a handrail of the platform and called for help from persons inside the building.
The three men who stood in the middle of the platform plunged to their deaths when the accident occurred.
Mr Ploenjit said that none of them wore any protective sling or safety apparatus, and did not inspect the condition of the platform to see whether it was in good condition or not before using it.
Baiyoke Tower II is the tallest building in Thailand, located on Rathaprarob Road in Bangkok. It has 88 floors and reaches with a height of 304 metres.
