Deadly collapse in Bangkok

At least three people were killed when a threestory house in Bangkok collapsed Saturday following a fire, leaving an unknown number of people still trapped under the rubble, police said.

Two of the fatalities were volunteer rescue workers who were helping to put out the fire, said police Cpl. Kamolpoo Khaokaew. Others, including rescuers, were trapped under the building after it collapsed and efforts were under way to reach them.

A volunteer rescuer told broadcaster Thai PBS that he was spraying water onto the building’s balcony when he sensed that something was wrong. Officials from the disaster prevention department soon ordered everyone to leave the house.

“Some left but others who were inside holding the hose couldn’t leave because they had to wait for the water to be turned off first. At that moment, the building collapsed in front of me. I was lucky I did not get hurt,” said Somchai Bowornlarp.