Bangkok: The mission to recover victims from the collapsed Office of the Auditor General building in Bangkok has so far resulted in the discovery of 83 bodies, with 11 individuals still unaccounted for. The operation is anticipated to conclude by May.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suriyachai Rawiwan, Director of the Bangkok Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM), provided an update on the recovery efforts. On May 1, officials discovered 13 more bodies, with two yet to be identified. The current search focus is Zone D2, which connects to Zone C and includes a passageway to the rear building and parking area. Full access to the basement remains challenged, and it is anticipated that the walkway on the third floor may extend 2-3 meters deeper, potentially revealing more victims.
The operation has enabled access to the underground zone and the elevator shaft area, particularly the segment that connects the third floor to the collapsed sections, Zone C and Building B. This area served as an escape route for the victims. Some individuals might be trapped on stairways, while others who managed to escape may be located in the front hall or along the building’s perimeter. Contractor information corroborates that personnel were present in Zone D before the collapse, aligning with the recent discoveries.
On the current day, the Forensic Science Department and officers from Bang Sue Police Station have collected concrete pillars and steel walls from the elevator shafts, suspected to be the collapse’s trigger. Investigators from the DSI and Bang Sue Police Station are prioritizing evidence collection from this area due to its critical significance. The area will be secured for thorough inspection without immediate demolition.
Data from the Joint Command Center show a total of 103 victims, comprising 83 deceased, 9 injured, and 11 missing. While all victims have been identified, not all zones are fully accessible, necessitating continued search efforts to ensure no additional individuals remain unaccounted for. Confirmation from investigators is awaited.
The operation, including search and debris demolition, is set to conclude by May. Upon confirmation of no further victims, a report will be submitted to the Director of Chatuchak District, who will then consider lifting the disaster relief zone declaration, thereby restoring the area to the building owner.