Rescue teams in Bangkok have confirmed that at least 15 individuals are potentially alive beneath the rubble of a high-rise building that collapsed due to a devastating earthquake in the region. The earthquake, which struck with a magnitude of 7.7, originated near Mandalay, Myanmar, on Friday and has resulted in widespread destruction, claiming hundreds of lives across the affected areas.
As rescue operations commenced the following day, construction workers and emergency responders have been sifting through the debris, using drones, sniffer dogs, cranes, and excavators to locate survivors. The building, once a towering structure of blue glass and steel situated near Bangkok's popular Chatuchak market, has now been reduced to a chaotic pile of twisted metal and wreckage.
Officials reported that over 400 workers were present at the site when the earthquake struck; however, as the rescue mission progresses, 96 workers remain unaccounted for, with eight confirmed dead and an additional eight injured. Many of these workers were reported to be Burmese migrants—common laborers in Thailand's construction industry.
Eyewitness accounts reveal the harrowing moments during the disaster. Ko Myint Kyaw, a Burmese worker, described how he narrowly escaped as the building began to crumble around him. "I just jumped and escaped. When I hit the ground, I heard a loud bang and the building collapsed," he recounted.
The drying heat and tense atmosphere surrounding the construction site have been palpable as families await news of their loved ones. Many gathered in makeshift tents set up to register information about the missing individuals. The emotional toll weighs heavy, with frantic relatives sharing their hopes and fears. One woman named Naruemol expressed her anguish, stating, "I just need to see him once, in whatever condition he's in."
Despite the daunting conditions, officials are steadfast in their commitment to rescue efforts. Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnweerakul assured the public that the search would persist tirelessly until all trapped individuals are found, emphasizing the deep-seated hope that fuels these ongoing rescue operations. Investigations into the collapse's cause have also been initiated, aiming to prevent future tragedies as the region grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic event.
