Shell shock: Coconut factory fire sparks highway pileup
Smoke billowing from a fire at a coconut fibre factory led to a series of rear-end collisions on a major highway, causing a traffic jam stretching several kilometres. Firefighters took over four hours to control the blaze.
Yesterday, January 5, police in Prachuap Khiri Khan received reports of a fire at a coconut fibre production facility located along the southbound side of the Phetkasem Highway.
Following the alert, local fire departments from the city, air force, and nearby districts dispatched over 10 fire trucks to combat the fire.
The fire broke out around midday, sending thick smoke across both lanes of the highway, and severely reducing visibility.
The dense smoke forced vehicles to slow down, resulting in multiple rear-end collisions. Traffic was backed up for several kilometres as a result.
Firefighters used tractors to remove burning coconut fibres to an open area within the factory premises, allowing for more effective firefighting. It took over four hours to bring the fire under control.
Kamol Kaewthep, Mayor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, reported that the fire started shortly after noon.
“Upon receiving the report, all available fire trucks were dispatched to deal with the situation. Given the nature of coconut fibre fires, which are difficult to extinguish, we had to request additional support from nearby areas.”
The fire is believed to have been caused by accumulated heat within the piled coconut fibres, exacerbated by the current hot and dry weather conditions.
This type of incident is not uncommon, as similar fires have occurred in the past, reported KhaoSod.
In related news, a raging fire engulfed a recycling paper factory in Rayong, with officials struggling to bring it under control. Despite ongoing efforts by emergency services, the blaze spreads, threatening the factory and surrounding areas.
The incident began when flames erupted at approximately 2.30pm on December 11, at a paper factory located along the Ban Khai-Ban Bueng road in Nong Bua, Ban Khai district, Rayong province.
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