Bangkok: The search operation for individuals trapped under the debris of the State Audit Office building continues with urgency. Almost 54 hours have passed since the collapse, and no additional survivors have been discovered, bringing the death toll to 11.
According to Thai News Agency, the efforts to unearth people from the rubble have been relentless, with officials rotating personnel continuously, particularly in Zones A and D. These areas are the focus of heavy machinery operations aimed at clearing debris to facilitate the search. Families, relatives, and friends, including Thai, Burmese, and Cambodian nationals, maintain a vigil near the site, hoping for the rescue of their loved ones.
Ms. Kannika, one such family member, has traveled from Kamphaeng Phet Province with her family, awaiting news of her husband, Mr. Yothin, the head electrician, who was on the 24th floor when the building collapsed. Despite the uncertainty, they remain hopeful for his safe return.
The search operations today included the use of advanced technology, such as drones and precision scanning equipment, which can survey depths up to 20 meters. These tools, mounted on cranes, are instrumental in locating trapped individuals. Additionally, the iRAP rescue robot is employed for internal scanning, providing a 3D overview of the site to assess safety, especially given the hollow nature of the structure's top section.
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, overseeing the operations, emphasized the priority of locating survivors. While heavy machinery is crucial, it cannot be used at full capacity in certain areas due to the possibility of finding survivors. A 500-600 ton crane has been mobilized to aid in moving large beams.
Minister of Industry Mr. Ekkanat Promphan has also been on-site to collect construction material samples following the Prime Minister's directive to investigate the collapse's cause. This inquiry includes evaluating the involvement of the Ministry of Industry.
The Joint Command Center's latest update reports the recovery of three additional bodies, raising the total to 11, with eight injured and 76 individuals still missing.