BANGKOK: A devastating incident occurred in northern Thailand when the roof of a primary school sports arena collapsed during a heavy rainstorm, resulting in the loss of seven lives and leaving 23 others injured. The accident took place at approximately 7:00 p.m. local time on Monday in Phichit province.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) stated that a whirlwind struck the metal roof of the building, causing the entire structure to collapse. The incident trapped students, parents, and school staff under the debris, leading to a frantic rescue operation.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. He instructed relevant agencies to prioritize search efforts for any missing individuals, assess the extent of the damage, and promptly provide assistance to the victims.
The injured individuals were swiftly transferred to two local hospitals for urgent medical attention, as reported by the DDPM on their official Facebook page. Local media sources have highlighted the heroic efforts of rescue teams and volunteers who worked tirelessly to save lives amid challenging circumstances.
Rainstorm in Thailand
Phichit Governor Payon Asavapichayon visited the site of the collapse to assess the situation firsthand. The governor revealed that at least 100 local households reported damages due to the storm, and further assessments are currently underway. The incident affected the school, and surrounding areas have been declared as public disaster zones.
The tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers caused by severe weather conditions during the onset of the severe rainy season in Thailand. The Thai Meteorological Department has forecasted heavy and continuous rainfall in most parts of the country, urging authorities and residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
