Bangkok: A 30-storey skyscraper under construction for government offices collapsed in Bangkok on Friday, trapping 43 workers, after the city was rocked by a powerful earthquake, police and medics said. The building under construction in Bangkok collapsed after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Thailand and neighbouring Myanmar around midday on Friday. The extent of casualties remains unknown, according to police.

Bangkok emergency responder said 7 people rescued, 2 dead after building collapse triggered by earthquake according to reports.

A video shared on social media captured the moment the multi-storey building, with a crane perched on top, crumbled into a thick cloud of dust. Onlookers could be heard screaming and running for safety.

Rescue operations underway

Police confirmed to The Associated Press that they were responding to the incident near Chatuchak Market, one of Bangkok’s busiest areas. However, there was no immediate information on how many workers were present at the site at the time of the collapse.

The quake was followed by a 6.4 magnitude aftershock, prompting officials to advise people in Bangkok to remain outdoors in case of further tremors. 

Earthquake details and impact

The US Geological Survey (USGS) and Germany’s GFZ Centre for Geosciences reported that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles), with its epicentre in Myanmar, according to preliminary data.

The tremors caused water to spill from rooftop pools of high-rise buildings in Bangkok, and debris was seen falling from several structures. Alarms rang out, and startled residents in densely populated central Bangkok evacuated their buildings, making their way down staircases of high-rise condominiums and hotels.

Government response

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has called an emergency meeting to assess the impact of the earthquake and coordinate rescue efforts.

Widespread effects across Thailand

The Department of Disaster Prevention confirmed that the earthquake was felt across almost all regions of Thailand. The greater Bangkok area, home to over 17 million people, experienced significant tremors.

Damage in Myanmar

The epicentre of the earthquake was located 50 kilometres (30 miles) east of Monywa, Myanmar. In the capital Naypyitaw, religious shrines were damaged, with parts collapsing to the ground. Some homes also suffered structural damage.

Damage was reported inside Mandalay International Airport in Myanmar following the earthquake near the Thailand-Myanmar border. Further reports from Myanmar remain limited due to the ongoing civil war in the country.

Authorities continue to assess the situation, and rescue efforts are underway for those trapped in the collapsed building in Bangkok.

(Agency inputs)