Chiang Mai resort’s balcony collapse injures 12 guests

Balconies at a building. Illustration photo by Unsplash

The Straits Times reports that the accident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Feb. 4 at a resort situated in the city’s Ban Chang Kham Luang village.

As reported by The Nation, authorities said that the victims were part of a larger group of 45 female public health volunteers from a hospital in Chiang Mai’s San Khampaeng district attending a retreat at the resort. They were taking photos on the balcony on the second floor when the structure suddenly collapsed under their weight.

Two of the victims reportedly sustained severe injuries, of which one suffered a broken right leg while the other incurred a head injury. Both are currently receiving care at a local hospital. The other ten, who had minor injuries, have been discharged.

Investigations revealed that the resort building was built lawfully in line with the approved blueprint. However, the collapsed balcony had been added without proper authorization, leading to charges against the owner for illegal modifications.