In a tragic turn of events, rescue teams in Bangkok have unearthed three more bodies from the rubble of a collapsed 30-story building, bringing the heartbreaking death toll to 60. These bodies were discovered in the fire escape stairwell of the State Audit Office (SAO) structure, which was under construction in the bustling Chatuchak district. The accident, which took place last month, has sparked concern among officials, who fear that more victims may still lie beneath the wreckage as efforts to search and demolish the remains proceed with caution.
The catastrophic collapse unfolded on March 28, set off by a massive 8.2-magnitude earthquake that shook the region near Mandalay, Myanmar. This powerful quake struck while the building was in the midst of construction, trapping over 100 workers inside. So far, the disaster’s grim tally stands at 60 confirmed fatalities, while 34 individuals remain missing and nine others endured injuries. In total, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has reported that the calamity affected 103 individuals.
Rescue operations have been diligently making headway in the past week. Substantial rubble clearance has brought the debris down to roughly 4.3 meters—progress from the previous day’s 5.77 meters—with ongoing efforts focusing on reaching the first floor by the month’s end. However, traffic congestion has somewhat hampered debris removal, leading the BMA to rally additional support, including military aid and more construction equipment, to accelerate the process.
Once the debris is cleared down to the building’s basement level, the demolition will shift gears to widen the structure’s front and side openings. This crucial step aims to facilitate the safer and more efficient removal of debris, ensuring no one remains trapped within the ruins.
Furthermore, the BMA has graciously extended the deadline for disaster relief applications to Friday, May 2. This extension provides relief to residents affected by the disaster, offering extra time to apply following the Songkran holidays. Thus far, over 39,000 applications for aid have flooded in, with Chatuchak district logging the highest number of claims, according to reports from The Nation.
Amidst ongoing search and rescue operations, there remains an ember of hope that more victims will be retrieved, allowing families affected by this tragedy some measure of closure. Meanwhile, efforts are earnestly concentrated on delivering relief to those impacted, alongside continuing to recover those still missing amid the rubble.
Amidst the somber news, the bustling world of Thailand doesn’t rest. From an unfortunate incident where an eight-year-old tragically drowned in Buriram’s Mun River, to a curious case of youths hurling pétanque balls at a boxing leader’s home in Chon Buri—there’s never a dull moment across the nation. Elsewhere, tourism in Mukdahan continues to dwindle unexpectedly post-Songkran, while quirky tales like two Thai men admittedly converting a dog into sun-dried delicacies in Sa Kaeo keep the headlines vibrant. Whether dealing with serious matters like Police arresting a murder suspect in Kanchanaburi or lighthearted incidents like a drunk driver masquerading as a foreigner after a car crash, Thailand’s pulse remains lively even in trying times.
This is such a heartbreaking disaster. My heart goes out to all the families affected.
Absolutely, but this kind of thing should never have happened. They need better building regulations.
True, Chris. Hopefully, the government will take this seriously and enforce stricter codes.
The earthquake was so powerful, not sure if any building code could have prevented it.
It seems like natural disasters are increasing everywhere! It’s terrifying to think about how unpredictable Mother Nature is.
The government should’ve been more prepared. They knew this area was susceptible to earthquakes!
True, but who can predict when and where an earthquake will happen? It’s not like they have precise warning systems for earthquakes.
That’s why we should have stronger infrastructures as a precaution.
Why do we have to constantly rely on the army for everything? Can’t we get better local responders?
In crises like this, all hands on deck are necessary. The military has resources and manpower.
My thoughts are with the missing workers and their families. It’s awful not knowing if they’re trapped or not.
Yes, that’s the worst part. It must be agonizing not to have closure.
I can’t even imagine what those families are going through. I hope they get answers soon.
Poor planning on both government and company’s side. Human lives shouldn’t be lost like this.
At least they are trying to clear the rubble quickly. Any faster and it might be dangerous for the rescuers.
Safety of rescuers is just as important. I hope they don’t rush it too much.
Yes, Dave. Every life matters, including those risking themselves to save others.
This is what happens when corners are cut to save money during construction.
Hope they find more survivors. Nature can be relentless and cruel, but human resilience is incredible.
What about the aid applications? I hope the government expedites the assistance to those affected.
Yeah, especially with that many applications, there’s probably a backlog.
True, Nina. Bureaucracy shouldn’t delay urgent help.
Doesn’t it get to you how tragedies like this remind us of our fragility as a species?
Day by day the rescue operations seem hopeful. I truly commend their efforts.
Why dwell on negative news all the time? There’s so much positivity happening around too!
The way Thailand deals with these disasters is commendable, they’re really resourceful in times of crisis.
Can you believe the other strange news coming out of Thailand? It’s like a parallel world sometimes.
I know! Especially the sun-dried dog story… seriously bizarre.
Yeah, it’s weird alright, but every country has its unique quirks.
I’ve been following this since it happened. The families deserve answers and compensation.
Building collapse on top of COVID recovery… really a tough time for Bangkok.
Very true, Ron. They need all the support they can get right now.
Every disaster should be a lesson for better preparation in the future.
Sometimes, I feel helpless reading about these events. It’s like the world is falling apart bit by bit.