BANGKOK: A construction worker described how a Bangkok skyscraper crumbled “in the blink of an eye” after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and rippled into Thailand on Friday.
The unfinished 30-storey tower, slated to house government offices, collapsed within seconds, trapping up to 100 workers. At least five are confirmed dead.
“I had just stepped outside for water when I saw the dust,” said Khin Aung, whose younger brother was inside. “I video-called him — he answered, running — then the line cut, and the building collapsed.”
Family members gathered at the site on Saturday, clinging to hope. Khin Aung, a migrant from Myanmar like many in Bangkok’s construction workforce, said he and his brother had been working there for six months.
“I heard 20 people were taken to hospital,” he said.
“If my brother and friends are there, there’s hope. If they’re under this building, there’s none.”
Others waited too. Chanpen Kaewnoi, 39, searched for her mother and sister. “My colleague called, said she couldn’t find them. I’m still hoping — 50 percent.”
The quake’s epicentre was in Myanmar, where the ruling junta says at least 694 people have died.
In Bangkok, rescue teams are carefully sifting through twisted steel and rubble, trying to avoid triggering another collapse. – AFP
