PUBLISHED: 29 Mar 2025 at 12:00
Rescue teams have detected vital signs from 15 individuals trapped in the partially collapsed State Audit Office building in Chatuchak district, raising hopes for their survival as efforts continue to recover them within the next 72 hours.
The confirmed death toll has risen to eight, while 47 people remain unaccounted for, according to the latest updates from emergency response officials.
Suriyan Rawiwan, the director of the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department, confirmed the detection of vital signs and noted that heavy machinery has been employed to clear the debris and aid rescuers in reaching the trapped victims.
“We are operating under a 72-hour timeline, as we must account for the risks of dehydration and shock for the trapped individuals,” stated Mr. Suriyan. The team aims to complete the rescue operation within 48 hours, with signs of life detected among groups of three to seven individuals beneath the rubble.
As of now, water and food supplies have not reached those trapped, as rescue efforts are hindered by the three-meter depth of the rubble.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt visited the site on Saturday morning, emphasizing the use of crane trucks to remove heavy debris and aid in the rescue operations.
The construction site, located on Kamphaeng Phet Road in Chatuchak district, suffered a catastrophic collapse following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that originated in Myanmar on Friday afternoon. Construction of the building, valued at 2.1 billion baht, began in 2020 and had reached its highest floor.
In light of the disaster, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is deploying 130 volunteer engineers to assess the structural integrity of 200 high-rise buildings across the city, focusing on areas at risk such as Din Daeng and Huai Khwang. Additionally, two condominium buildings in Lat Phrao have been identified for evacuation due to safety concerns.
The BMA has also opened public parks for those affected by the recent earthquake, with over 300 individuals seeking refuge in these facilities overnight. Governor Chadchart has stated that the parks will remain open for at least another night if conditions do not improve.
