Authorities are probing the collapse of second crane that killed two drivers just a day after a near-identical crash left dozens of train passengers dead in Thailand.

Engineers surveyed the scene, where metal beams and concrete slabs had crushed two cars when the crane plunged onto traffic below in Samut Sakhon on the outskirts of Bangkok, on January 15.

Footage shows two pickup trucks buried under the carnage of concrete slabs and metal. Paramedics pronounced Somphong Srisuk, 50, and Sarawut Wetchakarn, 41, dead at the scene near the Tha Chin River Bridge.

Drones deployed to collect data from the air while structural engineers inspected the exact site of collapse.

The Structural Engineers Association of Thailand (SEAT) said the accident may have been caused by negligence as the crane's legs were resting on a thin concrete slab that reportedly buckled under the maximum load. There were also defects found in the hydraulic system.

Chuleart Jitjueajun, vice-president of SEAT, said: 'If the crane legs are placed on a thin concrete slab, it could easily collapse, especially during the lifting and installation of a heavier concrete slab. This is the period when the maximum weight is applied, and if the concrete slab cannot support the weight of the crane legs, it will collapse rapidly, which aligns with the nature of the work and the resulting damage.'

He added that the construction work 'violated good engineering principles', adding more investigation was needed to determine the exact cause.

The disaster occurred just a day after a tragic crane collapse that killed 32 and injured 64 in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he would cancel the construction contracts involved and place the contractor, Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited, on a blacklist.

He said: 'Since this matter has deeply shocked the public and poses serious risks to people's lives … in the case of these two projects an order has been given to the Ministry of Transport to terminate the contracts with the contractor and take legal action to the fullest extent of the law, including placing them on a blacklist.'

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said: 'I have ordered the immediate suspension of the 13 remaining projects until the Ministry of Transport grants permission to resume, ensuring total safety.'

Special committees have been formed to investigate both incidents, and a fact-finding report is expected within a week, he added.

Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited was also previously involved in the collapse of the State Audit Office building in March 2025.