Dual Fatality After Boom Lift Breaks Through Concrete Floor During Renovation Work in Southern Thailand

30 Second Takeaway

Two workers were killed yesterday in Trang, southern Thailand, after the boom lift they were working from fell through a failing concrete floor into the basement below during renovation work at a municipal stadium gymnasium. The victims, a married couple aged 27 and 32, were operating from the platform of a Genie Z-80/60 articulated boom lift at a height of approximately five to six metres when pre-cast concrete floor beams reportedly fractured and collapsed under the machine’s weight. The sudden drop created a catapult effect that ejected both occupants from the platform. Emergency responders attempted resuscitation, but both workers died en route to or shortly after arrival at hospital. The incident highlights the often-overlooked structural loading risks associated with heavy boom lifts operating on suspended or pre-cast floor systems.

Incident Overview

Trang Municipal Stadium (Trang Thung Chaeng), Trang, Southern Thailand

A fatal access equipment accident occurred yesterday during renovation work at a gymnasium inside Trang Municipal Stadium, located in the city of Trang on Thailand’s southern Malay Peninsula.

The boom lift involved reportedly broke through a concrete floor and fell into the basement level below, resulting in two fatalities.

What Happened

Based on information available at the time of publication:

• Two subcontracted workers, a married couple aged 27 and 32, were performing electrical and air conditioning work

• The work was part of renovations to a gymnasium at Trang Municipal Stadium

• The couple were working from a Genie Z-80/60 articulated boom lift

• The platform was positioned at a height of approximately five to six metres

• One or more pre-cast concrete floor beams reportedly fractured beneath the lift

• Additional beams failed in sequence, creating an opening large enough for the machine to drop through

• The boom lift fell into the basement level below

• The sudden collapse produced a catapult effect that threw both occupants from the platform

• It is not yet known whether the workers were wearing or tied off with fall protection harnesses

• Paramedics arrived quickly and attempted resuscitation

• Both workers died en route to or shortly after arrival at the hospital

What Is Known

• Equipment involved: Articulated boom lift

• Model: Genie Z-80/60

• Incident type: Floor collapse / boom lift fall through structure

• Location: Trang Municipal Stadium gymnasium, Trang, Thailand

• Work scope: Electrical and air conditioning installation during renovations

• Fatalities: Two

• Fall protection status: Unknown at time of publication

• Machine weight: Approximately 17 tonnes

• Investigation status: Not yet confirmed

Structural Loading Concerns

The Genie Z-80/60 boom lift weighs just over 17 tonnes and can generate single wheel loadings exceeding eight tonnes, particularly when operating on solid or poly-filled tyres that concentrate ground pressure.

One witness report indicated that:

• One wheel initially broke through as a beam gave way

• As load transferred to remaining wheels, additional beams collapsed progressively

Initial reports suggest the boom lift had been operating inside the gymnasium since November, raising questions about structural assessment and floor load verification over time.

Why This Incident Was Possible

Incidents involving boom lifts falling through floors are uncommon but typically involve a mismatch between equipment loading and structural capacity.

Contributing factors often seen in similar failures include:

• Lack of verification of floor load rating before placing heavy MEWPs indoors

• Pre-cast or suspended concrete systems not designed for concentrated wheel loads

• Progressive beam failure once an initial structural element fractures

• High point loading from poly-filled tyres and heavy chassis weight

• Extended equipment use in an area without reassessment of structural integrity

• Insufficient engineering review during renovation projects

Renovation environments can conceal weakened structural elements, especially where older beams or pre-cast assemblies are present.

Industry Reminder

Boom lifts are not “light equipment.”

Even when operating at relatively low working heights, heavy articulated platforms impose extreme wheel loads that can exceed the design limits of suspended floors, basements, or pre-cast beam systems.

Structural failure can occur instantly, leaving workers with no time to react.

Editorial Note

Crane Hub Global reports on crane and access equipment incidents to support industry learning and prevention. This article is based on information available at the time of publication and may be updated as further details emerge.

How Floor Collapse Incidents Involving Boom Lifts Can Be Prevented

Verify Floor Load Capacity Before MEWP Use

Engineered confirmation of slab and beam load ratings is essential before operating heavy boom lifts indoors or above voids.

Treat Renovation Sites as Structurally Uncertain

Older facilities and retrofit projects may contain degraded or undocumented structural conditions.

Understand Wheel Loading, Not Just Total Weight

High point loads from tyres can exceed safe limits even when the overall floor appears stable.

Require Engineering Oversight for Heavy Indoor Access Equipment

Suspended floors, basements, and pre-cast structures should trigger mandatory structural review.

Enforce Fall Protection and Platform Safety Measures

Harness use and proper tie-off may reduce ejection risk during sudden collapse events.