BANGKOK: A construction worker recounted on Saturday ( Mar 29 ) how he cheated death when a Bangkok skyscraper collapsed “in the blink of an eye” after a massive earthquake hit Myanmar and Thailand the day before.
Sad community members gathered at the remains of the 30-storey tower, which crumbled to dust in only seconds on Friday, clinging to shreds of desire that their loved ones who were working when it fell may be found dead.
The building was being built to house state offices when the collapse struck, and development contractor Khin Aung told AFP how the developing collapsed only after his brother had entered to commence his shift.
” When my switch ended around 1pm I went outside to get water and I saw my younger brother before I went away,” he told AFP.
Numbness from the 7. 7-magnitude collapse centred in neighbouring Myanmar– where the decision coup said at least 694 people had died – hit Bangkok around 1. 20 am, shaking the tower.
” When I went beyond, I saw dust outside and I only ran to escape from the collapsing constructing,” Khin Aung said.
” I video-called my brother and friends but only one picked up the phone. But I didn’t notice his face and I heard he was running.
” At that point the entire creating was shaking but while I was on a contact with him, I lost the phone and the building collapsed. “
Officials say up to 100 employees may get trapped in the size of dust and twisted steel that is all that remains of the castle. At least five are confirmed dead but the burden is almost certain to fall.
” I can’t explain how I feel – it happened in the blink of an eye,” said Khin Aung.
” All my friends and my brother were in the tower when it collapsed. I don’t have any words to say. “