All victims rescued from collapsed ancient bell tower

BANGKOK, Sept 25 (TNA) - All trapped victims have been freed from the collapsed bell tower at Wat Phraya Tham Worawihan in Bangkok. Nathapong Meekhokkit, chief of Bangkok Noi district, said the last victim was freed from the base of the collapsed ancient bell tower at the Buddhist temple on Arun Amarin 15 road. Twelve people were injured in the incident and rushed to Siriraj Hospital. Two of them were critical conditions. The collapse happened when the bell tower was being elevated for renovation. The Fine Arts Department hired a contractor for 5 million baht to renovate it. Officials were investigating the cause of the collapse. Evidence shows that the bell tower dates from the reign of King Rama III but local people believe it was built before the Thonburi Period. It was constructed with bricks and mortar and decorated with Chinese ceramics. There are four guardian demon images on the four sides of the tower. (TNA)