Ayutthaya chemical fire leads to Phachi Hospital shutdown

A chemical warehouse fire in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province caused widespread chaos, leading to the temporary closure of Phachi Hospital and the establishment of an emergency field hospital and evacuation centre. The fire, which was brought under control at 10pm yesterday, May 1, forced locals to flee their homes and seek temporary shelter.

The fire broke out in a chemical storage facility located just 600 metres from Phachi Hospital in the Phachi district. Due to the proximity of the fire and the resulting smoke, the hospital decided to suspend its services temporarily in all departments. The announcement came as a precaution to safeguard the health and wellbeing of patients and staff from the dangers posed by the chemical fumes.

Patients in need of urgent care were advised to visit nearby hospitals, while general cases were directed to community health centres or the field hospital set up at Wat Kok Mueang. The public health office of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province coordinated the response, ensuring the field hospital was adequately equipped with beds, pillows, mosquito nets, food, and water. Medical teams were also on standby to assist affected residents who had sought refuge at the evacuation centre.

The abbot of Wat Kok Muang, Phra Khru Pipat Sasanakitjartorn, revealed that the temple was prepared to serve as an evacuation centre immediately upon coordination. The facility could accommodate hundreds of people, with additional space available in adjacent buildings and schools. Local temples were also on alert to provide additional space if needed.

Among the evacuees, 70 year old Wasana Buasombat expressed the severity of the situation, recounting how the smoke and foul odour from the fire had permeated her home, located just 200 metres from the warehouse. Approximately 20 households were affected, prompting an urgent call for the removal of the hazardous chemicals, reported KhaoSod.

The governor of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Niwat Rungsakorn, oversaw the emergency response, marshalling fire trucks from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, local government organisations, and neighbouring provinces. The responders managed to contain the fire using foam and reduced the smoke, preventing the further spread of the flames.