SONGKHLA – Thai police have refuted claims that the bomb disposal squad’s negligence was the cause of another explosion at the Sadao railway track that killed three workers early this morning.
The explosion, which also injured four maintenance workers, occurred about 400m from the scene of the first incident last Saturday.
Songkhla police chief Wara Vechapinan reiterated the bomb disposal squad had checked the scene to ensure public safety.
He explained there were many factors contributing to faulty bomb detection device including the weather.
“However, the authorities will launch an investigation,” he said at a press conference here today.
Seven rail workers reportedly arrived at the scene to carry out repair works on the damaged railway tracks when the explosion occurred at around 6.30am local time.
Three workers died on the spot while another four were rushed to hospital for further treatment.
On December 3, a bomb explosion on the railway track had caused a freight train carrying rubber en route from Hatyai to Padang Besar to derail.
Meanwhile, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is seeking cooperation from enforcement authorities to step up security at the scene.
In a statement, SRT governor Nirut Maneepan said it was vital to ensure safety of workers who arrived at the scene to repair the railway tracks damaged by the explosion on Saturday.
“We need to ensure everyone’s safety, including that of workers, officials, and as the public using the train services,” he said.
To date, the Hatyai-Padang Besar railway line will remain closed for several days to carry out repair work. – Bernama, December 6, 2022
