Car fire creates traffic jam near Buffalo Market in South Pattaya

A car fire erupted on Thepprasit Road in South Pattaya yesterday, causing chaos near the Buffalo Market. A black Kia van burst into flames, sending thick smoke billowing across the road towards Jomtien Beach, bringing traffic to a standstill.

The incident sparked when 36 year old Patcharaporn Chatmong had just dropped her child off at school. Moments later, the brakes on her four year old vehicle failed. Forced to use the handbrake, Patcharaporn saw smoke seeping from the engine compartment.

As flames began to lick at the bonnet, she quickly exited the vehicle and frantically called for help. Heroically, Chief Petty Officer First Class Peeraphat Nopsiri, an electrical technician from the Thai Royal Navy ship HTMS Naresuan, sprang into action.

Joined by locals, they battled the fire with chemical extinguishers, attempting to pry open the car’s hood to quash any remaining flames. Patcharaporn recounted the terrifying moments.

“The brakes suddenly gave out, and I had no choice but to use the handbrake. Then I saw smoke and fire. I got out as fast as I could and shouted for help.”

An initial investigation by the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation team suggests that an electrical system malfunction sparked the blaze, reported Pattaya Mail.

Thanks to the swift and courageous actions of the bystanders and the emergency response team, the fire was contained before it could cause further damage.

In related news, a sudden car fire erupted in the parking lot of a well-known temple in the Bang Chak area of Bangkok, prompting a swift response from firefighting teams. The incident was reported on April 15.

Panic spread rapidly as a car caught fire in the parking lot of the famed Wat Thammongkol Thaobunnonthawihan in Bangkok’s Bang Chak district.

In other news, a 28 year old man narrowly avoided harm when his electric motorcycle ignited into flames mid-ride on Thepkrasattri Road, Phuket, on the afternoon of May 3.