Seven people, including four were children, were killed when a pitch roof collapsed at a storm-hit Thai school, authorities said today.

Children aged 6 to 13 played sports while the public watched at this school in Pisit province, western Thailand.

According to local media, a storm broke out around 18:30 local time (14:30 Greek time). Torrential rains and strong winds suddenly caused the roof of the sports facility to collapse.

A total of 18 people were injuredthe provincial public relations office announced, adding that the three adults killed by the roof collapse are two parents and a caretaker.

Video posted on Facebook by the local PR office shows debris from the roof to the ground.

Several houses were also damaged by the storm in Sam Ngam district, where the school is located, police said.

The incident occurred as Thailand begins the era of monsoons. Heavy rainfall is expected in most of the country in the coming days.

Neighboring Myanmar was recently swept by typhoon Mocha, killing 145 people.

Building safety and maintenance standards are sometimes inadequate in Thailand, and building collapses are not uncommon.