Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt apologised today for being unable to locate the woman whose voice was heard calling for help from under the debris at the collapsed structure in Chatuchak district on the night of April 2.
Yesterday’s operation focused on zone B, where a woman’s voice had been heard and signs of life were detected. Unfortunately, large concrete slabs are obstructing access to the area, forcing the team to suspend the search temporarily. No further signs of life have been detected.
“We apologise to the public for not being able to reach those believed to be trapped at the location yesterday. We had heard sounds and detected what appeared to be signs of life, and we continued our efforts throughout. Once we dug deeper, however, there was no way to proceed. By midnight, we concluded that there was no possible way to get through,” according to Chadchart.
During a press briefing this morning, he also stated that two bodies were found in zone D last night, but the rescue team has not yet been able to recover them. He assured the public that the deceased will be recovered and returned to their families as soon as possible but, due to the unstable structure of the debris, extreme caution is necessary.
Today’s search efforts will intensify, with the increased use of heavy machinery to clear debris from zones C and D. Water spraying and ventilation will continue to be provided throughout the site and specialised cameras will be used, with international rescue experts assisting with inspection and command at the site.
At around 4.30am this morning, work with heavy machinery was temporarily halted due to an excessive build-up of heat throughout the night.
Meanwhile, Deputy Bangkok Governor Tavida Kamolvej says that two teams of mental health professionals are on-site to assist both survivors and the families of those still trapped.
She noted that the families waiting for news are under immense stress, exacerbated by false information being circulated on social media, including claims that more survivors had been found and are awaiting rescue, which ultimately proved to be untrue.
