Bangkok: Rescue teams have intensified their efforts in the search for missing persons at the new Office of the Auditor General building site, where a collapse has led to significant challenges. Search teams have ventured into a burrow within Zone B, exploring depths of 5-6 meters, where a strong odor was detected but no missing persons were found.
According to Thai News Agency, rescue workers have been actively drilling holes in Zones B and C, deploying heavy machinery to remove debris continuously. The commitment to the operation remains steadfast, with rescue teams determined to retrieve all trapped individuals. Mr. Anwut Pho-ampai, representing the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, reported that despite harsh weather conditions, efforts persisted. The operation commenced last night and extended into today, with the realization that survival chances diminish as time passes. Nonetheless, hope remains intact among rescue teams.
Following the morning rain, operations resumed, allowing rescuers to delve into a newly accessible area within Zone C. Here, they uncovered a hall and elevator shaft but encountered only a strong odor, with no immediate success in locating victims. The area has been marked for further exploration using heavy equipment. Mr. Anwut emphasized the dedication to retrieving all bodies, regardless of condition, and ensuring they are respectfully returned.
In the course of the night, partial human remains were discovered and subsequently sent to the Police General Hospital's Forensic Institute for DNA examination. The rain-soaked terrain, a mix of soil and cement, poses both challenges and benefits, affecting the working conditions and necessitating cautious navigation.
While some auxiliary teams, such as the K9 unit, have withdrawn due to prolonged operations, core teams continue their mission. The withdrawal of smaller teams has not hindered the progress, as the main rescue units remain actively engaged. The collective effort involves multiple agencies, including the Bangkok Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office and the military, focusing on heavy machinery to clear Zones B and C.
As progress continues, caution is paramount in managing the collapsed structure's stability. Encouragement from across Thailand fuels the ongoing efforts, with Mr. Anwut acknowledging the team's exhaustion but affirming their unwavering commitment to continue until all victims are recovered.
Despite social media speculation regarding the pace of demolition, Mr. Anwut assures that significant progress has been made, with heavy equipment advancing swiftly. The mission reached a critical juncture during a late-night search, resulting in the discovery of severely crushed bodies in Zone B. Complexities in removing these victims necessitate strategic dismantling to avoid further hazards.
A minor incident involving a backhoe sinking into mud due to heavy rain was promptly addressed, with no injuries reported. Approximately 30% of the 40,000 tons of debris has been cleared, with challenging sections remaining behind Zones B and C. Current assessments show no signs of life in these areas.
Throughout the day, heavy machinery and search teams worked in tandem, systematically dismantling the structure and scouring for trapped victims. As of 4:00 p.m., the official toll includes 17 deceased, 9 injured, and 77 individuals still missing.