Chatuchak: The search operation for missing persons continues with increased urgency as heavy machinery is being accelerated to reduce the height of debris at the collapsed Office of the Auditor General building. The efforts aim to clear the cement and steel wreckage to open more areas for searching missing persons, who have been unaccounted for since the building's collapse during an earthquake.
According to Thai News Agency, the operation has entered its 13th day, with officials tirelessly rotating heavy machinery and search teams. Initially, 21 backhoes and cranes were deployed, and now the largest backhoe in the country, weighing 120 tons, is en route to assist in the efforts. An international rescue team from Canada has joined the search, along with foot search teams composed of paratroopers, rescue workers, and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). These teams are working to clear debris from the wreckage after halting heavy machinery operations overnight.
The search operation has made progress in Zones A and D, allowing backhoes to access the center of the rubble pile, approximately 7-8 meters above ground level. This development has enabled the removal of cement and steel rubble, reducing the slope in Zones C and D and opening additional areas for search operations. It is believed that 14 workers were on the 28th-29th floors when the building collapsed.
At 6:45 a.m., Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, the Governor of Bangkok and incident commander, visited the site to monitor the mission's progress and encourage the officials involved. He outlined the operational plan, highlighting the importance of demolishing the building wreckage while intensifying the search for missing persons. The arrival of significant heavy equipment, including a large crane capable of lifting up to 1,000 tons, is expected to enhance the search operations by moving large obstacles and improving access to areas where missing persons might be trapped.
As of 10:00 a.m., the death toll has risen to 22 with 72 individuals still missing. The Identification Operations Center of the Royal Thai Police reported that the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police General Hospital has received the bodies of 22 deceased persons, including 14 pieces of human remains. Eighteen individuals have been identified, and 14 bodies have been returned to their families.