Spate of injuries caused by falling trees prompts BMA warning to owners

BMA deputy governor Jakkapan Phiewngam yesterday said 1,078 large billboards were erected in various districts, especially in Chatuchak and Lat Krabang. 
These signs were at risk of being toppled during rainstorms, he said, and their owners must ensure the structures were firmly secured to prevent harm to others as per the Building Control Act 2015. 
Jakkapan said it was the duty of city officials to check billboards and inform owners to abide by the law. 
He said property owners must also take precautions regarding trees on their premises, as they would be held responsible for any accidents.
Yesterday, a large tree fell at the end of Thong Lor Soi 9 causing severe traffic congestion. There were no casualties but it took more than an hour for officials to clear the road and allow traffic to resume. 
Last Saturday, 25-year-old Natchapat Somjet was killed when a power pole broke and landed on her motorcycle on Soi Chidlom, after the pole was hit by a falling 20-year-old tree. 
The fallen tree pulled down seven power poles and damaged a large LED screen at a nearby office. Four other vehicles were damaged and two people were injured. 
Lumphini Police issued a summons for the property owner to testify on May 23 with the possibility of a criminal charge. 
In Nakhon Pathom’s Muang district, 13-year-old schoolgirl Suchada Subin was injured yesterday when a tree fell onto the roof of a bus stop where she stood following torrential rains. 
Municipal workers spent an hour clearing the fallen tree, which partially blocked traffic on Phetkasem Road in front of Wat Lat Prakhao.
In Chon Buri’s Muang district, a large tree in the compound of Wat Sutthawat fell during heavy rains on Tuesday night, damaging the temple’s fence and blocking the road.