An initial probe into the Ayutthaya suspension bridge collapse on Sunday – that crushed four people to death and injured 10 others – has found that one sling had been torn previously and the pillars were in a deteriorated condition.

There are more than 10 bridges of similar design in Ayutthaya, and officials said they would check them to ensure their safety and prevent a similar tragedy.

Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan, who inspected the bridge yesterday, said it was initially suspected the metal rings that wrapped around the slings were loose and unable to support the bridge weight.

He said the province had assigned a fact-finding committee, led by a provincial prosecutor, to probe the case within 15 days.

He said he would discuss the issue at an upcoming meeting of provincial governors to ensure their suspension bridges were all safe and secure, while also strictly prohibiting cars and trucks from using them.

Charupong was also told the 2.2-metre-wide, 110-metre-long bridge in Tambon Than Luang in Tha Reu district was built for Bt8.2 million, according to an Ayutthaya Public Works and Town and Country Planning Office plan. It was constructed by D Nice (2009) Co Ltd and completed on July 16, 2012.

Charupong said the Interior Ministry would initially assist each family of those killed with Bt25,000 plus Charupong’s own donation of Bt2,000 per family. The injured would initially be paid Bt3,000. He said the authorities should demolish the collapsed bridge, then rebuild it promptly, as thousands of people used it on a daily basis.

As of press time, Saraburi army base had sent 100 soldiers to remove concrete debris in the river to clear a water transport passage, which should be completed in 2-3 days.

Charupong said a person reported as missing, Preecha Boonprasert, had been located in Saraburi.

Ayutthaya officials said the four people killed were Piriya Seusaming, 10, Kesinee Chabasi, 54, Natthawut Jaijong, 24, and Samart Yanpanya, 34.

Two injured people were treated at Ban Mor Hospital and eight others at Tha Reu Hospital. Ten motorcycles fell into the river during the drama.

Tambon Tha Luang Munici-pality Mayor Chettha Pathum-rangsi apologised for what happened and promised to aid those wounded and families of the dead.

Assistant National Police Chief Jaramporn Suramanee and a forensic police team inspected the collapsed bridge for over an hour yesterday.

He said police would work with the Engineering Institute of Thailand on the probe into the bridge’s structure and material standards as well as maintenance.

The bridge had been repaired four times and the municipality urged the contractor on April 22 to repair the bridge again, but it collapsed first.

BRIDGE OVERLOADED

Police would also probe public use of the bridge and if there were overloaded trucks passing over it, despite warnings. They will also investigate why local officials didn’t warn the public, despite claims the bridge was slanting.

Villager Pranee Khongwichai, 47, said a month ago a pick-up truck used the bridge, which was meant only for pedestrians and motorcycles, leading to its tilting.

Then a monks’ ordination parade passed over it, during which the bridge creaked loudly and slanted by 30cm before it was closed for repair. She claimed the bridge also subsided on April 26, prior to the collapse. The previous bridge – a metal structure with steady pillars – was a good one, she lamented.

Moo 5 village headman Suwan Saisamut said the old bridge’s concrete pillars had deteriorated due to boats hitting them and it was rebuilt as a suspension bridge last year.

He said he had urged municipal officials a week earlier to inspect the slanting bridge and the municipality was about to place a sign to close it, but it collapsed first.

Patcharin Jaijong, whose nephew Natthawut died, called for more assistance money for affected families and a speedy investigation as they still needed to use the crossing.