Fire destroys five cars in Nonthaburi garage blaze
A devastating fire engulfed a car repair garage, reducing five vehicles to ashes after a series of loud explosions rocked the neighbourhood.
The incident occurred in the early hours yesterday, December 6, prompting a swift response from local fire services and police in Nonthaburi.
The blaze erupted at approximately 12.20am at a garage known as Chang Tao Garage, located within Soi Samakkhi 59 in the Tha Sai subdistrict.
Residents nearby were jolted awake by an initial explosion, followed by a strong smell of thinner and fumes spreading through the area.
The inferno was so intense that it quickly spread to the wooden and steel structure housing the garage, which also served as a living space on the upper floor. A local, 42 year old Suksawat recounted the harrowing experience.
“I heard a loud bang and initially thought it was just noise from people drinking. But then there were more explosions, and I realised something was wrong.”
The situation escalated as flames and explosions from gas cylinders intensified. Firefighters from the Nonthaburi Municipal Fire Department arrived with nine water trucks to combat the blaze. The efforts to control the fire lasted about an hour, during which no injuries or fatalities were reported, although significant material damage occurred.
A volunteer with the emergency relief club and Ruamkatanyu Foundation, 35 years old Narinthorn Phokaew reported that the fire was fierce, having to hose down the area from the front while waiting for more support. Once support arrived, attention was diverted to the interior of the garage which was filled with flammable materials such as paint and thinner.
Evacuation
As the fire raged, neighbours, including Suksawat, hurried to evacuate their homes, taking their children and valuables to safety.
“I grabbed my two young children and important belongings, including my husband’s musical instruments, and moved them to a safer spot.”
The rapid response of the fire brigade helped prevent the flames from spreading further, but not before the garage and its contents, including several vehicles fitted with gas systems, were consumed by the fire. The collapse of the building’s structure added to the urgency of the situation.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are underway, with initial suspicions pointing towards an electrical short circuit, potentially igniting the thinner and gas stored on-site. The intense explosions resembled transformer blasts, adding to the speculation about the fire’s origin.
Following the containment of the blaze, the police have planned to question the garage owner to gather more information about the incident. Collaboration with forensic teams from Nonthaburi is also in progress to collect evidence and determine the exact cause of the fire, aiming to hold any responsible parties accountable, reported KhaoSod.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why do flammable materials in garages increase fire risks?
Flammable materials like paint and thinner can ignite easily, causing rapid fire spread and explosions, especially if safety measures are lacking.
How do gas systems in vehicles contribute to fire hazards in garages?
Gas systems can explode under high heat, intensifying fires and posing significant danger to nearby structures and residents.
What if the community had not responded quickly to the garage fire?
A delayed response could have led to more extensive damage, potential injuries, and the spread of the fire to adjacent homes.
How can communities better prepare for incidents involving flammable materials?
Implementing strict safety protocols, regular inspections, and community awareness programs can mitigate risks and enhance preparedness.
What role does forensic investigation play in understanding fire incidents?
Forensic investigation helps identify the fire’s cause, ensuring accountability and preventing future occurrences through informed safety measures.
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