'My brother was inside when...' Bangkok earthquake survivor recounts ordeal

Bangkok: A construction worker has described his miraculous escape after a Bangkok skyscraper collapsed "in the blink of an eye" following a massive earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday.

Tearful family members gathered at the ruins of the 30-storey building, which crumbled to rubble in seconds, hoping for any news of their loved ones who were working inside when it fell.

The skyscraper, which was under construction to house government offices, collapsed after tremors from the 7.7-magnitude earthquake centred in neighbouring Myanmar shook Bangkok around 1:20 pm (0620 GMT).

Construction worker Khin Aung, who had just finished his shift, recalled the terrifying moment when the building collapsed right after his brother entered to start work.

"When my shift ended around 1:00 pm, I went outside to get water and saw my younger brother before I left," he said.

"When I went outside, I saw dust everywhere, and I just ran to escape from the collapsing building."

Khin Aung attempted to contact his brother and colleagues.

"I video-called my brother and friends, but only one picked up the phone. I couldn't see his face, but I heard him running. At that point, the whole building was shaking. While I was still on the call, I lost connection, and then the building collapsed."

Rescue efforts underway

Authorities believe over 100 workers may be trapped under the rubble and twisted metal that remains of the tower. At least five deaths have been confirmed, but the toll is expected to rise.

"I can't describe how I feel. It happened in the blink of an eye," Khin Aung said.

"All my friends and my brother were inside when it collapsed. I have no words."

Bangkok’s ever-changing skyline is built by thousands of labourers, many of whom are migrants from Myanmar seeking better wages and stability. On Saturday, desperate relatives of missing workers gathered at the site, anxiously waiting for updates.

Khin Aung and his brother, who is married with two children, had been working in Bangkok for six months.

"I heard they sent 20 workers to hospital, but I don't know who they are or if my friends and brother are among them," he said. "If they are at the hospital, I have hope. If they are under this building, there is no hope."

Families cling to hope

Thai woman Chanpen Kaewnoi, 39, anxiously waited for news of her mother and sister, who were inside the building when it collapsed.

"My colleague called and said she couldn't find my mum or my sister. I thought maybe my mum had slipped and my sister stayed to help her," she said.

"I want to see them. I hope I can find them. I hope they will not be lost. I still have hope, 50 percent."

AFP