Tragedy in Bangkok: Skyscraper Collapse Following Major Earthquake

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck Bangkok, causing a skyscraper to collapse and trapping at least 43 workers. The epicenter was located in Myanmar, with reported fatalities in both countries. Emergency declarations were made, and inspection of damaged buildings is underway.

On Friday, a significant earthquake struck Bangkok, Thailand, leading to the collapse of a skyscraper that was still under construction, resulting in at least 43 workers being trapped. The Germany-based GFZ center for geosciences indicated that the earthquake’s epicenter was situated in Myanmar, at a shallow depth of approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.7, with a subsequent aftershock measuring 6.4. Reports of fatalities have emerged from both Thailand and Myanmar, although exact figures remain unconfirmed. In response, the Thai Prime Minister declared a state of emergency in Bangkok, while authorities in Myanmar did the same for capital and second-largest cities.

Witnesses reported a mass exodus of people into the streets of Bangkok as the tremors were felt, with water from swimming pools splashing onto the ground. The collapse of the 30-storey skyscraper, which was intended for government offices, was confirmed by police. Medics indicated to AFP that 43 workers were trapped beneath the rubble.

Emergency responders reported discovering at least two fatalities and seven individuals rescued alive, with the status of others still uncertain. Worapat Sukthai, the deputy police chief of Bang Sue district, stated, “When I arrived to inspect the site, I heard people calling for help, saying help me.” He further indicated efforts to assess the extent of injuries and casualties.

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt informed Reuters that the tremor inflicted damage upon numerous high-rise buildings throughout the city, prompting inspections to evaluate the impact. Precautionary measures led to the suspension of some metro and light rail services in the aftermath of the earthquake.

The earthquake in Bangkok has led to a significant disaster, with a skyscraper collapse trapping numerous workers and resulting in casualties. Emergency responses are underway to rescue those trapped and assess the impact on the affected buildings and infrastructure. The governor emphasized the need for caution as the full extent of damage remains under evaluation. Governments in both Thailand and Myanmar have declared emergencies in response to the crisis.

Original Source: timesofoman.com