An under-construction skyscraper collapsed in Bangkok on Friday, March 28, after an earthquake of magnitude 7.7 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar's neighbouring nations, including Thailand. Videos shared on social media showed the building reduced to dust and rubble. According to international media reports, at least 50 workers, seven of whom escaped, and 43 were trapped inside the skyscraper that collapsed.
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In a 21-second viral clip, locals are seen trying to capture the movement of the Building's collapse, but due to the impact, they were unable to stand and ran for their lives. Construction workers were also seen running in a shared video. Rubble and smoke around the area erupted due to the collapse, which led to chaos among people. Reports on casualties and injuries are still awaited.
Several other video shared on social media showed roads are shaking, water jumping out of the pool in a Highrise building.
The US Geological Survey and Germany's GFZ centre for geosciences said the midday temblor was a shallow 10 kilometres (6.2 miles), with an epicentre in neighbouring Myanmar. Meanwhile, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand and Leader of the Pheu Thai Party, said she had interrupted the meeting and discussion on the earthquake situation. "During the inspection meeting in Phuket Province, the Prime Minister received a report earthquake and ordered a break in the meeting to discuss the earthquake issue," said PMO office in a post X.
The powerful quake hit densely populated Bangkok around 1:30 pm (local time) on Friday, triggering alarms across buildings and prompting evacuations from high-rise condominiums and hotels. People were seen rushing to the open areas and grounds in panic.