GRC decorative panel falls from Pattaya high-rise injuring tourist
A GLASSFIBRE reinforced concrete (GRC) decorative panel fell from a luxury condominium in Khao Phra Tamnak area of South Pattaya last evening (May 28) injuring an Australian man holidaying there, TV Channel 7 and Thai Rath newspaper said.
Injured when the GRC panel fell from the building’s 38th floor was Mr. Paul Denis Smith with more than 10 vehicles and motorcycles parked there also damaged by debris.
The tourist sustained injuries on his head, ankles and abrasions on his body.
A number of officials, including Pattaya City Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, Bang Lamung District Chief Patcharaphat Sritanyanon and Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu went to inspect the building and found that the GRC panel fell and hit the ground near the swimming pool with debris then scattering to the parking lot.
Pramet said the building structure is still strong but ordered the juristic person to quickly dismantle the remaining three GRC panels to prevent a repeat accident.
The juristic person was told to take responsibility for medical expenses of the injured tourist and other damage incurred.
This GRC panel was previously photographed as having been damaged but had not been repaired. This then led to the panel falling and hitting the steel-structured roof above the chairs at the swimming pool and not directly hitting tourists.
Mr. Wiraphon (surname withheld), 59, said he was swimming in the pool when he noticed the GRC panel falling with tourists there all running for their lives in panic. He too quickly got out of the pool and ran for his life.
Top photo: TV Channel 7
This report was originally published by www.thainewsroom.com
Comments
