PHUKET —
A sudden bout of heavy rain and strong gusts swept through Phuket on the afternoon of October 16, dislodging an aluminum panel from the facade of a newly constructed emergency building at Vachira Phuket Hospital. Fortunately, no injuries or property damage were reported.
The incident occurred around 3:30 PM when a powerful windstorm struck the area, causing one of the aluminum sheets affixed to the front of the hospital’s 10-storey emergency wing to break loose and fall to the ground. Witnesses said the panel dropped abruptly, prompting pedestrians near the building to flee the area in panic.
Traffic along the road in front of the hospital came to a temporary halt as drivers stopped their vehicles, fearing further debris might fall. Emergency personnel quickly assessed the situation and confirmed that no one was harmed and no vehicles were damaged.
The hospital has since inspected the building’s exterior and is expected to reinforce the structure to prevent similar incidents in the future. Local authorities have also issued advisories urging residents to remain cautious during periods of extreme weather.
