Chanuman: The abbot revealed that a large principal Buddha statue in the walking posture collapsed, killing one monk and injuring three other monks and novices. It is believed that the cement had not yet set – strong winds blew.
According to Thai News Agency, CCTV footage captured the moment a large 9-meter-tall Buddha statue in the walking posture, which was being modeled, collapsed, killing one and injuring three others. The incident occurred at a monastery on the banks of the Mekong River in Chanuman District, Amnat Charoen Province.
The latest is that the local government officials have come to inspect the area and have already removed the principal Buddha statue from the scene. Only the base of the principal Buddha statue, some debris, and some construction equipment remain.
Phra Khru Wirachet Chinwangso, the abbot of the monastery, revealed that after pouring the cement for just one night, the monk who came to cast said that the cement had set well and that the mold could be removed. He protested tha
t it would be better to let it dry for another day, but the monk who came to build said that it was okay, that he had done it before and that it was safe. While the mold was being removed, a strong gust of wind caused the scaffolding to tilt and hit the Buddha image, causing it to collapse. Initially, the injured monk had recovered and returned to the temple for further treatment. As for the monk who passed away, he had already received compensation. The family did not hold any grudges because the incident was an accident. After the funeral, a large merit-making ceremony will be held to encourage the locals.
However, officials will question witnesses at the scene, including sending a letter to the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning, and forensic officers to come and inspect the construction and collapse to determine what caused it.