Nonthaburi:Residents of a commercial building in Nonthaburi experienced a scare when a loud cracking sound disrupted their peace, leading to the evacuation of the premises.
According to Thai News Agency, the affected structure is a three-story, five-unit shophouse located at the entrance of Soi Rewadee 19, in the Talat Khwan Subdistrict. The building showed signs of structural damage, including cracks in pillars and walls, and falling pieces of plaster. Authorities, including police and rescue units, promptly cordoned off the area and evacuated all occupants.
Ms. Areewan, a 57-year-old resident, recounted hearing the sound of cracking cement followed by a loud bang, which caused visible widening of the cracks and falling debris. Mr. Somphot, the building owner, who has lived there for 28 years, expressed his concerns about the potential danger, especially to passersby, despite no prior warning signs. He acknowledged the support received from municipal officials and other agencies.
Ms. Chanchira Kanthasangk, Director of the Engineering Division of Nonthaburi City Municipality, assessed that the building was subsiding internally. Although experts found the structure capable of bearing weight without risk of immediate collapse, the municipality has stationed staff to monitor the situation round the clock.
Dr. Chuleart Jitjuajun, from the Engineering Council, noted that cracks at the top of the cement pillars exposed reinforcing steel. He observed that another unit had slightly subsided, affecting the structural integrity of the front pillars.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Chuleart coordinated with the construction company to provide steel columns for support. He recommended replacing the damaged column, which was not a main supporting column but had tilted, causing pressure and damage. He assured that the risk of the building collapsing was low, as the issue was isolated to a single column.