Bangkok: KMUTNB has deployed the iRAP Robot rescue robot to scan and inspect the collapsed structure of the new Office of the Auditor General (OAG) building in Chatuchak to assess safety before rescuers can assist survivors. Families of the missing are holding on to hope as the operation continues.
According to Thai News Agency, the iRAP Robot Rescue Team from King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok has introduced the advanced rescue robot to the site to aid in the ongoing search efforts. Mr. Thitiyot Prakaytham, representing the team, stated that the robot was utilized yesterday to scan the internal structure after officials reported potential vital signs near what appeared to be an entrance/exit to the parking area. The robot's purpose is to determine if the structure can still bear weight.
The robots, originally developed for mining exploration, have been employed in competitions but are now being used in a real-world rescue scenario for the first time. They are tasked with scanning the internal structure, which will be combined with external scans to create a comprehensive 3D view, ensuring the safety of rescuers.
Today, the incident commander instructed the team to deploy a robot to examine the interior of an excavated hole to assess the structural integrity. A small robot equipped with a LAN cable and a 100-meter fiber optic cable will be used for this task, capable of continuous operation for two hours. However, the robot faces challenges due to the rough and gravelly terrain caused by the building collapse.
Families of those trapped are anxiously following the rescue operations. Mr. Somnit, hopeful for the survival of his 4-month pregnant wife, Ms. Krawipa, who was working on the 4th floor at the time of the collapse, expressed his anguish. Despite the lack of contact since the event, vital signs detected on the 4th floor offer a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy. The family continues to pray for the survival of their loved ones, despite the confirmed deaths of two of Ms. Krawipa's colleagues.
Ms. Wasana, another anxious family member, performed rituals near the site, hoping to guide the spirit of her son, Mr. Jessada, to safety. He was last known to be working on the 27th floor. Her daughter-in-law discovered that he was still trapped when retrieving his belongings.
Amidst the anxiety, families of other workers have been informed about the recovery of their loved ones' bodies. The news brought a mixture of grief and relief, as some families struggle to process their loss.