Bangkok: The deputy governor of Bangkok revealed that the number of people who died in the collapsed building, whose identities have been verified, is 16, with 78 more still under search. He also explained that the method of reporting the number of people who died will be adjusted so that the forensic department can confirm first.
According to Thai News Agency, the Deputy Governor of Bangkok announced the progress of the search for victims inside the collapsed new Office of the Auditor General building at 4:00 PM and confirmed the number of deaths. The number of deaths is still confirmed at 16, and 78 are still being searched for. The discrepancy in the initial reports arose from body parts found at 10:15 p.m., which were confirmed to be from different individuals, leading to a misunderstanding in the early reporting. Henceforth, the reporting of the death toll will await confirmation from the Police General Hospital's forensic science department. Updates will be provided by the Joint Command Center twice daily at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Regarding compensation for those affected, Deputy Governor Thawida announced that from Tuesday, individuals can register as victims at any district office, irrespective of whether their property suffered damage, their house was destroyed, or they were injured. Police officers will be present at district offices to assist with the registration process.
Later, Mr. Anwut Pho-ampai, an officer of the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, reported that officers discovered a body while working between Zone A and Zone B. The team, upon spotting jeans and a leg with a camera, ceased using heavy machinery immediately. Rescue workers then used a lift and cutting machine to retrieve the body, confirming it was a deceased male. The body has been sent to the Police General Hospital's forensic department for further identification.
The rescue operation is described as a meticulous process of removing cement and scrap metal, akin to peeling a banana. The team has been working around Zone C, where a hole was previously discovered, but no victims have been found in that area yet. Concerns remain about potential victims in Zone B, which is challenging to search due to a strong foundation.
Moreover, Uncle Yod provided information that 70 scans indicated the presence of bodies believed to be trapped individuals. The scans were taken from the center of the building, though the specific floors could not be identified. It is expected that the bodies are not concentrated on a single floor and may be scattered in outside areas, necessitating extra caution during the operation.