Bangkok: The director of Samphanthawong district inspected the scene where awnings collapsed, damaging 5 buildings and resulting in one fatality. It was found that the awning fasteners were not strong enough.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Thanadech Chankaew, Director of Samphanthawong District, revealed the progress of the investigation into the collapse of a building awning at the Mo Mi intersection near Wat Traimit Witthayaram Worawihan in the Charoen Krung area. He stated that the incident occurred at a commercial building consisting of five adjoining units. The awning on the second floor collapsed, resulting in one injury, Mr. Prawit Tulaphan, 67, who was taken to Samitivej Chinatown Hospital before later succumbing to his injuries.
Following the incident, the Samphanthawong District Office established a disaster relief center and issued a temporary order prohibiting the use of all five affected buildings. The Department of Public Works, the Department of Building Control, and the Engineering Institute of Thailand will jointly conduct a thorough structural inspection to assess the building's structural integrity and safety.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) cut off the power supply to the area for safety reasons during the demolition of the awning and large concrete debris. The Department of Public Works provided a 6-wheel truck and concrete cutting equipment to assist in the operation, while the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation sent rescue vehicles and personnel to help, as well as installing lighting to facilitate nighttime work, in cooperation with volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation and other relevant agencies.
Traffic congestion on Rama IV Road has begun to ease thanks to cooperation from Phlapphlachai 2 Police Station in managing routes. Initially, parts of the road were closed, and vehicles were diverted to the Thai-Chinese Friendship Highway to alleviate the accumulated traffic.
For residents in neighboring buildings, although the buildings are not prohibited from use, the power outage makes it inconvenient to stay there tonight. Only one family has expressed a desire to move to a temporary hotel.
Mr. Thanadech stated that initial investigations revealed the building to be over 100 years old, situated on land belonging to Wat Traimit Witthayaram Worawihan. The building lacks traditional piling, relying instead on the walls as the primary structural support. Many old buildings in the area share similar characteristics, and further expert inspection is necessary.
Regarding the observations from local residents that the area is near the elevated train line and experiences frequent vibrations, it is not yet possible to conclude whether this is related to the cause of the incident. This is because the elevated train line has been in operation for many years, and a detailed engineering investigation is needed.
Initially, one fatality was reported, with no further injuries. Authorities will subsequently investigate nearby buildings with similar construction styles to prevent a recurrence. They expect to clear all debris by tonight to reopen traffic to normal.
Regarding the initial cause of the awning collapse, Professor Dr. Amorn Pimanamas, President of the Structural Engineers Association of Thailand, stated that a site inspection revealed additional information suggesting the collapse was due to the limited number of anchor points between the floor and the building, using insufficient round steel bars. Therefore, the collapse may have been caused by the deterioration of the old building, rusted steel, and inadequate anchor points. These three factors combined could have led to the awning's collapse.
The remaining structural elements of the building should be inspected to determine the extent of the impact and whether they remain stable. Furthermore, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is requested to urgently inspect the balconies and awnings of neighboring buildings as well, as they have similar construction methods and pose a similar risk of collapse.
Mr. Narong Ruangsri, Permanent Secretary of Bangkok, who visited the site to monitor the situation, stated that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) expresses its condolences to the families of those who died in this incident. He also instructed the Samphanthawong District Office and related agencies to provide full support and assistance to the affected families, and to expedite the inspection of the building and surrounding areas for maximum safety.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jetseth Thaiseth, Deputy Minister of Interior, instructed the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to respond to the incident where a two-story building's awning at the Mo Mi intersection collapsed. He ordered them to immediately issue public alerts via cell broadcast in nearby areas and instructed the Department of Public Works and Town Planning to coordinate with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to expedite assistance to the public, inspect the building's interior to prevent recurrence, and prioritize the safety of personnel.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has been informed that initial reports indicate one person sustained serious injuries, three cars and two motorcycles were damaged. Emergency medical services, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) police, and volunteer foundations have arrived at the scene to clear the area. The DDPM has also ordered a standby team from the National Urban Search and Rescue (USAR Thailand) to support the BMA should support is requested in case of building collapse. Furthermore, a cell broadcast warning has been issued advising the public to avoid the route from Charoen Sawat Bridge to Mo Mi Intersection for safety reasons until rescue operations and area clearing are complete.