Tragedy struck in northern Thailand as a school sports arena collapsed, claiming the lives of seven individuals and leaving 23 others injured, as confirmed by a statement from a Thai government spokesman on Tuesday. The devastating incident occurred during a torrential downpour at approximately 7:00 p.m. local time on Monday, when the roof of the primary school sports arena in Phichit province gave way.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reported that the collapse was a direct result of the heavy rainstorm that pounded the area. Amidst the aftermath, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed deep condolences to the grieving families and urged relevant agencies to prioritize the search for any missing individuals. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of assessing the extent of the damage and providing swift assistance to the victims. Anucha Burapachaisri, deputy secretary-general to the prime minister and government spokesman, issued a statement outlining these directives.
The injured individuals were expeditiously transported to two local hospitals for immediate medical attention, as stated on the DDPM’s Facebook page. Local media accounts shed light on the incident, suggesting that a sudden whirlwind had struck the metal roof of the structure, causing its complete collapse and trapping students, parents, and school staff under the debris.
Phichit Governor Payon Asavapichayon paid a visit to the site of the tragedy on Tuesday. As assessments were underway, it was revealed that the storm had also resulted in damages to at least 100 local households in the vicinity. Consequently, the affected school and surrounding areas were declared public disaster zones.
With the advent of the rainy season on Monday, the Thai Meteorological Department has issued a forecast predicting heavy and prolonged rainfall across most parts of the country. This unfortunate incident serves as a somber reminder of the challenges and risks that accompany the onset of the monsoon season. Authorities and communities must remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents during this period of heightened weather activity.
