Blaze destroys British man’s condo in Pattaya
A terrifying blaze erupted in the early hours of May 17 at the Center Condotel on South Pattaya Road, causing extensive damage and forcing the frantic evacuation of residents.
The fire, reported at 3.36am, initially broke out on the 12th floor, quickly spreading to the 13th floor as thick smoke engulfed the building, creating a chaotic and perilous scene.
Kraithong Chullanun, a 45 year old security guard at the condo, reported that flames were first spotted on the 12th floor, and within minutes, they had spread. Kraithong, alerted by a resident to the smell of smoke and visible flames, attempted to put the fire out with a fire extinguisher. However, his efforts were in vain as the flames spread rapidly, necessitating the urgent call for fire services and the immediate evacuation of the residents.
Firefighters, armed with water trucks and the building’s internal water supply, battled the inferno for over an hour. They eventually managed to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading further, though the aftermath left smoke lingering throughout the building.
The origin of the fire was traced to a room on the 12th floor, destroying the belongings of Michael Raymond Bell, a 75 year old British national. Fortunately, Bell escaped without injury.
Police Lieutenant Captain Anirut Jaeroh, Deputy Inspector of Pattaya City Police Station, stated that initial investigations were inconclusive regarding the cause of the fire. Further examinations by the Chon Buri Province Forensic Office are required to determine the exact cause, reported Pattaya Mail.
The damage, estimated to exceed 1 million baht, has left residents and officials questioning how the fire started. Bell is set to be questioned to aid investigations.
ORIGINAL STORY: Pattaya terrorised by two fires in the night, locals evacuated
Two major fires erupted in Pattaya in the early hours this morning, terrorising locals and tourists alike. The first fire erupted at a well-known shopping centre in Nong Prue district, and the second incident erupted at a high-rise condominium on South Pattaya Road.
A large amount of smoke emerged from the mall, frightening many tourists strolling along Pattaya Beach. The local authorities promptly took control of the situation, directing bystanders to hastily evacuate the area.
Pattaya firefighters quickly arrived at the scene to battle the flames. Initially, no fatalities were reported, but two individuals sustained injuries from smoke inhalation.
Preliminary assessments suggested that the fire might have originated from a short circuit, with estimated damages of no less than a hundred thousand baht.
Later at 3.30am the same night, another fire erupted in a condominium located along South Pattaya Road, Nong Prue sub-district, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province.
Flames were spotted engulfing the 12th floor and quickly spreading to the 13th floor. Thick smoke billowed into the sky, prompting authorities to evacuate all residents of the condominium for safety.
Firefighters battled the raging inferno for over an hour before finally managing to subdue the flames. Investigation revealed the fire originated from a room on the 12th floor, resulting in the complete destruction of the foreign resident’s room.
Before the incident, residents in the building had reported a burning smell and seeing flames in the room. Their quick thinking led to initial attempts to extinguish the fire by themselves.
However, the fire rapidly spread beyond control, necessitating further assistance from the fire department.
Subsequent investigations will involve interviewing the foreign resident, whose room was the initial source of the flames. Forensic experts will further examine the scenes at the condominium to further collect evidence to determine the true cause of the fire, reported Daily News.
