ALL five old shophouses on Charoen Krung road where the second-floor concrete awning of one of them collapsed have been declared off-limits with a detailed inspection underway as it is still unclear whether vibrations from the Skytrain led to part of the structure crashing down, PPTVHD36 said this evening (June 20).
Mr. Thanadech Chankaew, Samphanthawong district chief, said the one person injured in this incident, Mr. Prawit Tulaphan, 67, was taken to Samitivej Chinatown Hospital but later died and no one else got injured.
Samphanthawong district office has set up a disaster relief centre and issued a temporary order prohibiting the use of the five units. Public Works and Building Control departments together with the Engineering Institute of Thailand will conduct a detailed structural inspection to assess the buildings’ stability and safety.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority has cut off power to the area for safety during the demolition of the awning and large concrete debris. The Public Works department provided a six-wheel truck and concrete cutting equipment to assist in the operation.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation department has dispatched rescue vehicles and personnel to assist, and installed lighting systems to facilitate nighttime operations, working alongside volunteers from Poh Teck Tung Foundation and other relevant agencies.
Traffic congestion on Rama IV Road is now beginning to ease after police from Phlapphla Chai 2 station directed the flow after initially closing some sections.
Regarding residents in neighbouring buildings, while they are not prohibited from living there, the power outage has made it uncomfortable for the night. Even so, only one family requested to temporarily relocate to a hotel.
Thanadech said initial investigations revealed this building is over 100 years old, located on land belonging to Wat Traimit Witthayaram Worawihan temple. It was constructed without piling, a common construction method in the past, relying instead on the building’s walls for structural support. Many old buildings in the area share similar characteristics, and further expert investigation is needed.
Regarding residents’ observation that the area is near the elevated train line and experiences frequent vibrations, Thanadech said it is not yet possible to conclude whether this is related to the building’s collapse with a detailed engineering investigation required to determine the facts.
Authorities will now expand their investigation to nearby buildings with similar construction styles to prevent a recurrence. They expect to clear all debris tonight then reopen traffic.
CAPTION:
A gaping hole where the concrete awning had collapsed, above, officials looking at the building, first insert and Front Page, and damaged vehicles, second insert. All photos – PPTVHD36
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