Tragedy Strikes: High-Rise Building Collapse in Bangkok
The scene at the collapsed high-rise building in Bangkok is one of devastation. A towering pile of rubble, nearly seven stories high, looms ominously, surrounded by a swirling cloud of dust. The sweltering heat, reaching a punishing 96 degrees Fahrenheit, adds to the already intense atmosphere as rescue workers tirelessly search for survivors.
This tragic event occurred after a powerful earthquake struck Myanmar, causing the 33-story structure, which was under construction, to cave in on itself near the bustling Chatuchak Park in the city. As rescue crews work diligently, eight fatalities have been confirmed, but the grim reality is that scores more remain unaccounted for—many of whom are laborers buried beneath the debris.
Using heavy machinery, the rescue teams have deployed multiple excavators to sift through the wreckage, while dump trucks transport debris away from the site. To combat the dense dust and improve visibility, they are spraying mists of water, all the while being watched by anxious relatives hoping for a miracle.
Earlier in the day, a glimmer of hope emerged as rescue officials announced they had detected signs of life from 15 individuals trapped in various locations within the rubble. According to Suriyachai Rawiwan, the director of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, some of these individuals are buried under as much as 10 feet of debris. However, by 3 p.m. local time—almost 24 hours after the earthquake struck—no further updates on survivors had been provided. The trapped individuals are believed to be part of a 320-person crew working on a new government building project.
“The building collapsed so quickly,” recounted Than Htike, a 42-year-old worker from Bago, Myanmar, who managed to escape from the ground floor. His wife, who was assisting in the construction of the elevator shaft on the sixth floor, remains missing. “I’ve spent all of Friday afternoon and night at the site, desperately hoping for any sign of life from my wife and my colleagues trapped beneath this enormous pile of rubble,” he added, his voice heavy with despair. “All I want is for her to come back to me.”
Than Htike, like many migrant workers from Myanmar, sought employment in Thailand due to the dire economic situation in their homeland. He and his wife had been laboring on construction sites in Bangkok for the past three years, earning roughly 400 Thai baht—about $10—per day.
Another individual anxiously awaiting news is Natthanan Kaewkaiyasit, 49, whose partner, Noy Thicha, a 53-year-old welder, is also missing. “We must cling to hope for miracles. I will remain here, waiting,” she stated solemnly.
Aubonrat Setnawet, 44, was present at the construction site when the earthquake struck. “I felt everything swaying, and I thought I was going to faint from the dizziness,” she recalled. “Then I heard this terrifying cracking sound, and I ran out with the others. I witnessed the building sway before it ultimately collapsed.” Having started her job at the site just earlier this month alongside her husband, who is now missing, she too is holding on to hope for a miracle.
- Confirmed deaths: 8
- Number of missing workers: Scores
- Rescue efforts: Ongoing with heavy machinery
- Hope for survivors: Signs of life detected from 15 individuals
- Economic struggles: Motivated many workers to seek jobs in Thailand
