A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Thailand and neighboring Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread devastation. The tremor led to the collapse of a high-rise under construction in Bangkok, killing at least three people and leaving dozens buried under rubble. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as buildings swayed, debris fell, and panic gripped the city.
Massive Earthquake Rocks Bangkok and Myanmar
The earthquake, with its epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar, was followed by a strong 6.4-magnitude aftershock. The Myanmar military government swiftly declared a state of emergency in six regions, including the capital Naypyitaw and Mandalay. The Red Cross reported significant damage, with ongoing assessments of humanitarian needs.
Tragic Losses and Collapsed Buildings in Bangkok
In Bangkok, the collapse of a high-rise building near the popular Chatuchak market led to tragic consequences. A construction worker was killed when debris hit his truck, while another individual was crushed by falling rubble, according to rescue worker Songwut Wangpon. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed three fatalities and reported that 90 people remain missing. Seven individuals have been rescued so far.
A viral video capturing the moment of the collapse has been circulating on social media, showing the multi-story building toppling into a massive dust cloud while terrified onlookers screamed and ran for safety.
Eyewitness Accounts: ‘The Whole Building Was Moving’
Residents and tourists in Bangkok experienced intense moments of fear as buildings swayed and aftershocks continued.
- April Kanichawanakul, an office worker in central Bangkok, initially thought she was feeling dizzy. She and her colleagues rushed down from the tenth floor of their building, Tonson Tower, and waited outside for further instructions.
- Fraser Morton, a tourist from Scotland, described the moment: “All of a sudden, the whole building began to move. There was screaming and panic everywhere.” He recounted how people rushed down escalators and debris crashed inside a nearby mall. “When I got outside, I saw the whole building moving. It was intense—lots of chaos.”
- Voranoot Thirawat, a lawyer, shared her terrifying experience: “The building was creaking as it moved back and forth. My colleagues and I ran down 12 flights of stairs. I’ve never experienced an earthquake like this in Bangkok.”
- Paul Vincent, a tourist from England, was at a street-side bar when the earthquake hit. “People started screaming and panicking, making it even worse,” he said. Seeing a high-rise swaying and water falling from a rooftop pool, he recalled, “That’s when it really hit me—people were crying, and the panic was horrendous.”
Authorities Urge Caution Amid Aftershocks
Bangkok authorities have advised residents to remain outside buildings in case of further aftershocks. The disaster has underscored concerns about structural safety in the region and has left thousands in shock as they come to terms with the damage.
As rescue operations continue, the full extent of the destruction is still unfolding. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
