Steel ball suspected of causing charcoal stove explosion in Prachin Buri
A charcoal stove exploded during a barbecue dinner at a garage in Prachin Buri province on Friday, August 21, injuring two diners. A steel petanque ball found at the scene is believed to have caused the explosion.
Mechanics at the garage gathered for a moo kata, a Thai-style barbecue and hot pot dining, after finishing work. Suddenly, the charcoal stove exploded with a loud bang.
The blast shattered the stove and damaged the concrete blocks that were propping it up. It also wrecked the wooden table at which the group was eating.
One of the diners, 38 year old Phongphet, suffered burns to his arm and leg from the hot soup. He said that he had only eaten two pieces of meat grilled by his brother before picking up his phone to text his girlfriend. Moments later, he heard a loud bang and was scalded.
Phongphet’s younger brother, Mongkhon, who is 30 years old, told Workpoint News that he was frightened and ran out of the scene. Charcoal flakes and hot water hit him in the eyes, so he rinsed them immediately to cool them down.
A steel petanque ball was found near the site of the explosion. Thida, the owner of the garage, told the media that she believed that if the ball had been placed near the stove, it may have accumulated heat, leading to the blast. However, she said that she would wait for experts to investigate and provide clear information.
The charcoal used in the stove was confirmed to be ordinary wood charcoal. An unopened sack of the same charcoal was still available.
Compared with incidents involving electric grills or gas cylinders, explosions involving charcoal stoves are rare in Thailand. The garage asked experts to help determine the actual cause. These findings could be used to warn other diners and prevent similar accidents.
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