Nonthaburi was shaken as a three-story commercial building at the entrance of Soi Rewadee 19 showed cracked columns and peeling concrete, leading to an evacuation order amid fears of collapse. An eyewitness described the tense moments.
At 18:30 on 2 Oct 2026 in Nonthaburi Province, reporters learned that police from Mueang Nonthaburi Station received reports that a five-unit, three-story commercial building at the entrance of Soi Rewadee 19, Talad Khwan Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nonthaburi had cracked columns and walls with falling concrete pieces. The building houses a security company and residences.
Initially, police and rescue teams placed police lines to secure the area and promptly evacuated all residents outside for safety. They also used a Scope Eye device to inspect and assess structural damage at risky points.
Ms. Areewan, 57, the building owner and resident, said she was working inside when she heard pieces of concrete falling, followed by loud cracking sounds. Cracks rapidly expanded and large chunks of concrete fell frighteningly. The building has five units with 3–4 residents each. Residents cannot return yet, pending official inspection, and are seeking temporary nearby rentals.
Authorities are currently blocking access to unauthorized persons and preparing to coordinate with engineers and relevant agencies to thoroughly inspect the building's structural stability.
Later, reporters spoke with Mr. Pong, 60, a private businessman and eyewitness. He said he heard someone shout “Column explosion” as pieces broke off. He quickly went to see the structural column showing clear explosion damage and immediately contacted local health volunteers and then the municipality, which sent officials to inspect safety immediately.
Mr. Pong added that at first he thought a customer came to pick up repaired pants at the building, but it turned into a dangerous event with falling concrete. He now fears the building may collapse, as many rebar strands are exposed and splayed, posing serious danger. If one column fails, it could pull down the adjacent three-story commercial buildings.
Mr. Pong urged the public and motorists to avoid Soi Rewadee 19 temporarily due to safety concerns about possible further collapse or structural subsidence.
Police and related agencies have set up police lines around the scene and are coordinating with engineers and experts to thoroughly inspect the structure, assess safety, and plan corrective actions.