In brief
As rescue teams work tirelessly in Bangkok to locate victims beneath the rubble of a collapsed high-rise building, families of missing construction workers face despair. The collapse was triggered by a powerful earthquake in Myanmar, leading to significant loss and uncertainty.
The chilling aftermath of a powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar has led to a heartbreaking rescue operation in Bangkok, where a high-rise building, under construction, collapsed. The incident, occurring near Chatuchak Park, resulted in eight confirmed fatalities with many more unaccounted for, primarily among the 320 workers employed at the site.On Saturday, as the temperature soared to 96 degrees Fahrenheit, rescue crews battled the oppressive heat and towering piles of rubble reaching nearly seven stories high. Utilizing excavators and dump trucks, they worked meticulously to search for any signs of life. The family's hopes were briefly ignited when officials reported that rescuers detected signs of life for 15 individuals trapped under debris, though as of the afternoon, no further updates on potential survivors were available.Than Htike, a 42-year-old construction worker from Bago in Myanmar, described his shock at the sudden collapse, recounting his escape from the ground floor while his wife remained trapped on the sixth. "I only want my wife back," he pleaded, standing side by side with fellow laborers anxiously waiting for news about their loved ones.Many migrant workers from Myanmar, seeking better economic opportunities in Thailand, now find themselves grappling with the harsh reality of devastating loss. Natthanan Kaewkaiyasit expressed similar sentiments, fearing for her missing partner, while others shared their harrowing experiences during the quake.Aubonrat Setnawet, who witnessed the building sway before its catastrophic collapse, reflected on the terror of that moment and also awaited news. Each of these individuals clung to hope for miraculous outcomes while standing vigil as the rescue efforts continued amidst the tragic circumstances.
