Building collapse not caused by flood: engineer
Suggestions that prolonged flooding in Bangkok late last year was the main cause of the recent partial collapse of a building under construction was ruled out yesterday by the secretary general of the Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT).
“If the flooding was the major reason, other nearby buildings would not stand firm like this. From my observation, all other buildings in the same area have had no problems at all,” Thanet Thirasiri said.
One man was injured when the building under construction in Bangkok’s Bang Phlat district collapsed at about 8.30pm on Sunday. Boonsong Thanapoj was hurt, and Wannaporn Boonkerd shocked by the incident.
Falling debris from the structure damaged three makeshift rooms for construction workers, the roof of Wannaporn’s house, and six motorcycles.
Deputy Bangkok Governor Dr Malinee Sukvejvorakij yesterday said the project owner had sought and received a construction permit in line with laws.
“The building is designed to accommodate 70 housing units,” she said.
Thanet said records showed the engineering design for the building also met proper criteria. He planned to examine the structure of the building further to determine the root cause of the collapse. “The detailed examination will take more than 10 days,” he said.
