Four-Story Building Collapses During Orange Line Demolition

The Dindaeng District Office explained the collapse of a four-story building during demolition work for the Orange Line electric train project, and is accelerating safety inspections and relief efforts for affected residents. On July 27, authorities from the Dindaeng District Office and relevant agencies inspected the collapsed structure in Pracha Songkhro Soi 28, Dindaeng District, Bangkok, which was being demolished as part of the Bangkok Mass Transit System's Orange Line construction project. Officials are conducting urgent safety assessments and preparing assistance plans for affected residents, while the cause and damage assessment remain under investigation. Residents captured video footage showing the four-story building collapsing during demolition work, sending dust and concrete debris across the surrounding area and forcing nearby residents to flee in fear. After the incident, officials from the Dindaeng District Office's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Bureau and the Bangkok Mass Transit System immediately inspected the area and surveyed the collapsed structure to assess safety risks to nearby residents. Ms. Chutamad, a nearby resident affected by the collapse, revealed that she had received no prior notice of the demolition work but observed workers setting up metal sheet barriers and moving heavy machinery into the area starting the previous day. Demolition began at 8:00 a.m., and during the work she felt strong vibrations and grew concerned for safety, prompting neighbors to evacuate elderly residents and patients to the community sports field in advance. The building collapsed in the afternoon, causing partial damage to her home, and she remains worried about residential safety and is calling on officials to accelerate inspections and provide assistance. Panisorat Nethara, the Dindaeng District Chief, stated that the collapsed building was an old structure being demolished for the Orange Line project in an area containing foundation pilings. Initial surveys found no injuries or deaths. The district office has mobilized personnel from engineering, public utilities, and disaster mitigation departments in coordination with the Bangkok Mass Transit System to assess structural integrity and ensure no further collapse risk. Utility officials are also investigating for damage to infrastructure that could endanger nearby residents. If evacuation becomes necessary, the transit authority will prepare relief and assistance plans with support from the district office for affected residents. The Bangkok Mass Transit System reported that the collapse site is an area being demolished to prepare foundation pilings for the Orange Line between Bang Khun Thian and Minburi.