24-5-2023 (Bangkok) Phichit, Thailand – In a devastating incident, seven individuals lost their lives, and 23 others sustained injuries when a school sports arena collapsed in northern Thailand. The Thai government confirmed the casualties and injuries in a statement issued on Tuesday.
The catastrophic event unfolded at approximately 7:00 p.m. local time on Monday, as the heavy downpour of a rainstorm battered Phichit province. The roof of a primary school sports arena succumbed to the extreme weather conditions, resulting in its collapse, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed deep condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. He swiftly instructed the relevant authorities to prioritize search and rescue operations to locate any missing individuals. Additionally, the prime minister emphasized the importance of assessing the extent of the damage and swiftly providing assistance to the victims. Anucha Burapachaisri, deputy secretary-general to the prime minister and government spokesman, shared these instructions in an official statement.
The injured victims were expeditiously transferred to two local hospitals for medical treatment, as reported by the DDPM via their official Facebook page.
Local media reports shed light on the cause of the collapse, attributing it to a powerful whirlwind that struck the building’s metal roof. The force of the wind resulted in the entire structure giving way, trapping students, parents, and school staff under a pile of debris.
Phichit Governor Payon Asavapichayon personally visited the site of the incident on Tuesday. Preliminary assessments indicate that the storm caused damage to at least 100 local households in the vicinity. Further investigations are underway to evaluate the full extent of the destruction. Consequently, the affected school and surrounding areas have been designated as public disaster zones.
The tragedy coincides with the arrival of the rainy season in Thailand, as announced by the Thai Meteorological Department.
