Thai PM orders investigation into Samut Prakan gas pipeline explosion, 3 dead

Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha is ordering an investigation into yesterday’s explosion of a gas pipeline in Samut Prakan, just south east of central Bangkok. At least 3 people were killed. Among the dead, 2 elderly women were killed, plus at least 28 confirmed injuries when the PTT gas pipeline exploded in the coastal Bang Bo district.

The prime minister has also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims stating that authorities would “get to the bottom of the incident”. The explosion was near the Soi Preng Wisuthathibdee School. Children were evacuated from the area immediately. The gas pipeline exploded during a gas transfer from Laem Chabang district to an industrial estate in Samut Prakan province.

Samut Prakan-based emergency responders arrived quickly on the scene with firetrucks and extinguishing foam.

PTT, the Thai petrochemical company announced yesterday around 2.30 pm that the fire was under control and the situation contained.

“It is initially believed that the explosion was caused by the leakage and diffusion of NGV liquefied natural gas in the pipeline.”

Officials from the PTT Emergency Control Centre have been assisting the injured and said they will “resolve the situation as quickly as possible”.

Authorities speculate that built up pressure in the pipelines were responsible for the blast. Investigators are now on sire to inspect the scene. There hasn’t been any announcement about the full extent of the damage caused by the explosion. Video below from INN News.