Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said Tuesday that it will take 3-4 days to clear the Luang Phaeng Road in Lat Krabang of the collapsed segment of an overpass, because each piece of the structure weighs between 30 and 40 tonnes.

Chorakhe Noi police have closed the in-bound Luang Phaeng Road to all traffic, from Lotus modern trade store to the road heading towards the police station, as of 5am Tuesday morning and have advised commuters and motorists to use other routes.

The Metropolitan Police Bureau have suggested the following alternative routes: Chalong Krung Road, the road running parallel to the Bangkok-Chon Buri motorway, in-bound Luang Phaeng Road, except the section in front of Lotus store, Yothathikan and Lat Krabang roads. Traffic police have been deployed to direct traffic.

Affected motorists and commuters can seek more information by calling 1197 or by visiting the Facebook 1197 page.

While inspecting the collapsed overpass, Governor Chadchart said initial findings show that the accident was caused by the malfunctioning of the “launcher”, which is used temporarily to support the beam of the overpass under construction during the day.

When the “launcher” snapped, he said everything from the crane to the beam caved in.

Two people were killed and eight injured in the accident yesterday at about 6pm, including two who are in serious conditions.

The collapsed overpass is part of the On Nut-Lat Krabang elevated road project.