The death toll from a collapsed under-construction skyscraper, brought down by the strong earthquake that hit Myanmar and sent tremors to Bangkok, has risen to eight, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said last night.
Around 100 others are still missing and feared trapped under the debris of the collapsed 30-story government office building in Chatuchak district, Anutin said after visiting the site.
About 12 workers were rescued and sent to nearby hospitals.
A center set up near the site was crowded with families of workers still missing.
Rescue workers, soldiers, and sniffer dogs are still combing through the debris after dark, hours after the strong quake struck Myanmar and sent tremors across Thailand, including Bangkok.
The families and friends of those trapped continue to hold onto hope that rescue workers will find their loved ones. Some traveled from other provinces after hearing the news.
However, the towering pile of debris from the collapsed 30-story skyscraper before them may leave some feeling that only a miracle can help.
A journalist from a radio program witnessed a woman weeping as she repeatedly called her husband, a foreman at the building, hoping he would answer. Despite receiving no response, she kept calling.
Another woman arrived at the center after being alerted about the collapse, fearing for both of her parents, who worked there as electricians.
She explained that her parents moved from floor to floor, setting up the electrical system. Despite the uncertainty, she remained hopeful that they were still alive and would be found soon.
