The Highways Department has ordered a contractor, undertaking construction work on the elevated expressway project on Rama II Road in Bangkok, to suspend work for three days after a worker was killed and another injured when the crane basket, in which they were being carried, fell to the ground on Friday.

Apirat Chaiwongnoi, director-general of the Highways Department, said the accident might have been be the result of negligence on the part of the crane operator, because he was a substitute operator and may not have had sufficient experience.

The two workers were in the basket, about 15 metres above the ground, when the slings snapped and the basket fell onto the road surface.

Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said he has ordered the Social Security Office to assist the injured worker and the family of the decedent, identified as Vipark Promprasong.

Both workers were employed by a sub-contractor, Pong-pat Enterprise Company.

The family of Vipark will receive 50,000 baht to cover funeral costs and 70% of his pay for ten years, amounting to 792,792 baht.