Thousands evacuated, at least 33 injured after explosion at Thai chemical factory
A helicopter dumps water onto the site of an explosion and fire at a plastics factory on the outskirts of Bangkok on Monday. AFP
Gulf Today Report
Thousands of people were evacuated on the outskirts of the Thai capital Bangkok on Monday, officials said as firefighters are battling hours-long blazes. The fire broke out after an explosion at a factory that killed a rescue worker and injured at least 33 people.
The authority responsible for dealing with disasters said 70 homes were damaged and firefighting was still going on, although 15 hours had passed since the blast in Samut Prakan province. The cause of the explosion is not yet known.
The factory is owned by a Taiwan national. The authorities are evacuating residents in the area within five kilometres of the factory as a precaution.
The plant, which has been in operation for 32 years, produces polystyrene foam, which means that it contains flammable chemicals that turn toxic when heated.
Authorities said that by nightfall, over 1,800 people were evacuated. A makeshift shelter has been set up to shift residents to safety.
The fire was still raging past midnight.
An emergency official said, “The fames are unquelled by water cannon from fire trucks.” Fire retardant has been dumped over the fire from military helicopters, but to no avail.
