NAKHON RATCHASIMA -- A three-year-old girl was killed and two pre-school boys injured when two pillars supporting three metal bells collapsed at a temple in Non Thai district of this northeastern province on Thursday morning.
The three victims were in a group of 16 pre-kindergarten children from a child development centre on a field trip to Wat Muang Kao in Moo 12 village of tambon Banlang. They were in the care of teachers from the centre, which is located near the temple.
The accident occurred about 9.30am. One of two bick pillars supporting a metal bar from which three heavy metal bells were hanging collapsed, bringing down the other column and the bells.
The bells fell onto three children playing underneath them. Two boys, Waritpol Siriwong and Phurin Kruasaikham, sustained minor injuries. Three-year-old Piangkwan Namking was seriously injured and rushed to NonThai hospital, where she was later pronounced dead .
It was unclear why the two pillars collapsed.
Wisoot Chatchawalwong, the Non Thai district officer, ordered that assistance be provided to the families of the three children.
He also instructed Tambon Banlang Municipality to investigate and establish the cause of the accident.