Two still missing in rubble of collapsed showroom

Engineering experts inspect the collapsed showroom building in Sukhumvit Soi 87 in Phra Khanong district on Saturday, as a search continued for two missing workers. (Photo by Seksan Rojjanametakun)

The search continued on Saturday for two people missing in the rubble of an old car showroom that collapsed while it was being demolished on Friday, claiming the lives of two workers.

An initial inspection found that the accident in Phra Khanong district of Bangkok was caused by improper shoring during the demolition work.

City clerk Patthrawut Thanthranon and experts from the Engineering Institute of Thailand and the Council of Engineers inspected the site on Sukhumvit Soi 87 on Saturday.

Mr Patthrawut said the search for the two missing people, believed trapped in the rubble, was the first priority. Rescuers have to be extremely cautious as there is a risk that some other sections of the showroom might collapse, he added.

The incident happened shortly after 9am Friday. The eight-storey building that once housed a Mitsubishi car showroom is located near the Phra Khanong district office and Wells International School, where the students were quickly evacuated.

Eight people were initially reported caught in the building collapse, with two workers confirmed killed and two missing.

Amorn Pimarnmat, secretary-general of the Council of Engineers, said an initial inspection found the shoring was not done properly during the demolition.

He said the inspection team would look into the demolition procedures and equipment used to see whether those involved followed all the requirements. Those carrying out the work would also be investigated, he added.

Thai media reported that the search team would use sonar equipment and cameras in an attempt to locate the missing workers, who were identified as Boonjaeng Lerdla-ong and Prai Khanoram.

(Photo by Seksan Rojjanametakun)