Two construction workers were killed in Bangkok when an 8 storey building that was being prepared to be demolished collapsed.
Rescue workers, police and fire-fighters continued their search for two workers believed to be still trapped under the debris.
Ten workers were preparing to demolish the building and as they were checking it , a noise something like a sling snap, was heard before the building collapsed and workers ran for safety.
The contractor got permission to demolish the building on November 22. However, Phra Khanong district office ordered a temporary suspension of the demolition on December 2 after officials found hazardous problems at the site.
The authorities have launched a probe into the cause of the collapse.
Students were evacuated from the nearby Wells International School as a precaution.
Phra Khanong District Office posted a sign ‘Danger: Building collapse’ at the site while the search for two workers was ongoing .
Today, engineers and officials will discuss the best method to demolish the building, while the district office will consider declaring the area a disaster zone as a safety precaution for nearby residents’ life and property.
The Metropolitan Police Commissioner inspected the scene yesterday and said a committee had been set up to probe those involved in the demolition and it is likely that some arrest warrants would be issued.
He said the incident was within the frame of three offences – recklessness causing the death of others, violating the Building Act 1979 and resisting an official order, because the demolition had been suspended by the district office.
(Source: The Nation, Thailand)