High-Rise building collapses in Bangkok as Massive Earthquake Struck

KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 – A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Thailand and parts of Myanmar on Friday afternoon, triggering the collapse of an under-construction high-rise in Bangkok.

Emergency teams are on-site, but authorities have yet to confirm any casualties.

Videos shared online captured the harrowing moment as the towering structure crumbled, sending dust and debris cascading onto the streets below.

Witnesses described the incident as a scene of panic as bystanders fled, fearing any further collapses.

The quake, which hit around 1:30 p.m., was followed by a strong aftershock measuring 6.4 in magnitude. Across Bangkok, alarms blared as office workers, hotel guests, and residents evacuated high-rises, gathering in open spaces for safety.

Some residents reported seeing water sloshing from rooftop pools, while pieces of buildings cracked and fell. In shopping malls, crowds surged toward exits as store shelves toppled over.

One witness, a tourist who had been shopping in a central mall, recalled the terrifying experience: “Everything was normal, and then suddenly the floor started shaking. People panicked and ran for the exits. Some even tried to rush down escalators the wrong way.”

Widespread Distraction In Myanmar

According to seismologists, the earthquake originated in Myanmar at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). The tremors caused major damage in Mandalay, where parts of the city’s historic royal palace crumbled.

In the Sagaing region, a 90-year-old bridge collapsed, and roads linking Mandalay to Yangon suffered severe cracks. In Myanmar’s capital, Naypyidaw, religious shrines and homes were left in ruins.

Despite the destruction, officials have yet to report any confirmed fatalities, though assessments are still ongoing.

Although minor tremors are not uncommon in the region, earthquakes of this strength are rare. With Bangkok’s skyline dominated by towering skyscrapers, the risk of structural damage remains a serious concern.

Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation confirmed that tremors were felt in almost all parts of the country. Authorities have urged residents to remain alert for further aftershocks and potential structural weaknesses in buildings.

As emergency crews continue their rescue efforts, the full scale of the disaster is still unfolding.