Report Rescue Efforts Continue in Grim Search at Collapsed Bangkok Tower

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Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Rescue teams are arduously working through piles of concrete debris to access the first floor of the collapsed 30-storey State Audit Office tower in Bangkok, as hope diminishes for the dozens still missing following the calamitous incident. Today, April 28, City Hall has confirmed that demolition crews are expected to reach this critical area.

 

The collapse of the skyscraper occurred during a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that shook Myanmar on March 28, with tremors reverberating throughout Thailand and causing the tower to topple. Suriyachai Rawiwan, Bangkok's disaster mitigation director, reported that rescue teams were making steady—albeit slow—progress, excavating just 2.57 metres above the first floor as of yesterday.

 

In response to the massive structural havoc, additional heavy machinery, including backhoes with jackhammers, has been deployed to challenge the obstinate concrete slabs surrounding the building's base. Recent recoveries include another body, believed to have been ensnared on upper floors, and fragments believed to be human remains.

 

 

 

The official death toll from the disaster has climbed to 62, with 32 individuals still missing and nine injured. The possibility remains grim that more victims could be entombed deep within the basement, according to Suriyachai.

 

To date, over 250 human remains have been sent to forensic authorities for identification. Families of the deceased have begun receiving compensation, with the Labour Ministry disbursing approximately 38 million baht for the March 28 quake victims, including those from the fallen tower. Compensation for general injuries has been capped at 65,000 baht, while severe cases may receive up to 1 million baht. All treatment expenses at state-run hospitals are fully covered until recovery.

 

Deputy government spokesperson Karom Polponklang clarified that additional support would be offered to workers requiring sick leave or who have sustained disabilities due to the disaster. As rescue endeavours persist, the entire nation sombrely watches, hoping for relief amid the tragic circumstances.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-04-28