Three Die In 69 Story Bayoke Tower Plunge

[pdogg]

Three billboard installers died when they fell from a suspended platform at the 69th floor of Baiyoke Tower II, Thailand’s tallest building, in Ratchathewi district of Bangkok on Monday.

Reports said five workers were standing on the platform installing new printed advertising material on the exterior of the 89-storey highrise building when the accident occurred.

A cable supporting part of platform broke shortly after 2pm. The platform dropped sharply at an angle and three of the workers fell off, plunging to their death.

The bodies of the victims, who were not immediately identified, were found on a 36th floor balcony, beside a swimming pool on the 20th floor and on an outside mini-golf driving range on the 18th floor.

The two other workers managed to grab a handhold on the platform.

Pleonchit Klongudom, 32, said he and his friend had to hold on desperately for more than half an hour before the building’s staff broke a window glass and rescued them.

The Baiyoke Tower II is 304 metres (994 feet) high.

[ArchieBunker]

You know this can happen anywhere. Here in Archie's New York these types of incidents happen on building sites, cranes, scaffolding etc.. I wouldnt be shocked if this type of stuff happens MORE in Thailand given the way things work there.....

[bumblebee]

Very sad indeed but alas not surprising to anyone who has witnessed the safety standards, or lack of, in the region.

[Flatpack]

Always sad to hear that someone dies while going to work, sadly the Thais seem to pay little regard to health, safety and life but I guess its always down to money in third world countries.

[deepthroat]

Tragic, in that a $250 safety harness could have saved all three (and kept the other two from having to hold on for dear life for a terrifying hour awaiting rescue).

I used to work with a company that manufactured these lifts, and safety devices were mandatory for anyone that used their product. A simple belt or harness that would be clipped via a cable to a strong loop welded to the lift frame.

TIT.

[ArchieBunker]

Always sad to hear that someone dies while going to work, sadly the Thais seem to pay little regard to health, safety and life but I guess its always down to money in third world countries.

Things like this happens in the supposed "first" world, more advanced countries as well. there are ALWAYS stories of building collapses, cranes toppling etc. here in New York. Many times there were phantom "inspections" done. You know ones that includes the handling of an envelope stuffed with dead presidents......

[TEXASMAC]

Will there be an OSHA Investigation ??