Fire in Samut Sakhon causes over 50 million baht damage (video)
A massive fire engulfed two major fan manufacturing companies in Samut Sakhon, causing damages exceeding 50 million baht. The incident began with an explosion-like sound near a security booth shortly after midnight yesterday, November 21.
The blaze erupted at the TKT fan manufacturing facilities, located in Nadee, Mueang district, Samut Sakhon. Both companies affected are situated in the same area and operated by the same business entity.
Upon receiving the distress call, Samut Sakhon’s municipal police swiftly coordinated with the local disaster prevention and mitigation centre, deploying fire engines to the scene. However, the fire’s intensity necessitated additional support, summoning nearly 20 fire engines from neighbouring areas within and around Samut Sakhon.
“The sky turned a vivid red as flames consumed the factories, leaving behind destruction worth over 50 million baht.”
Local officials revealed that the blaze followed a loud noise similar to an explosion near the security post. Under the direction of Praphan Tuksa, the district chief of Mueang Samut Sakhon, and supported by Kanung Thongthieng, the senior district officer, along with local police officers and disaster prevention staff, efforts to control the fire were undertaken.
The fire spread rapidly from the front to the rear of the companies, causing extensive damage. Three trucks used for transporting goods were also caught in the inferno, along with the companies’ offices.
Firefighters faced a water shortage and resorted to drawing water from a nearby fish pond to combat the flames, attacking the fiercest blaze from behind the companies. Neighbouring businesses opened gates to facilitate easier access for the firefighting teams. It took over five hours to bring the fire under control, though it was not entirely extinguished.
The owner of the businesses, 70 year old Komsan, recounted that the fire started around 1am today, November 22, shortly after workers had left by 12.30am. Only a security guard was present at the front of the factory, who heard what seemed like an explosion behind the security booth. Upon inspection, it was discovered that a short circuit had caused sparks along the power lines, which quickly spread.
Despite multiple attempts to extinguish the fire with extinguishers, the flames proved uncontrollable, prompting an urgent call to the fire department. By the time fire crews arrived, the fire had already penetrated the factory premises and continued to spread rapidly.
“The fire originated in a warehouse storing plastic pellets and moulded plastics, which are highly flammable materials.”
This allowed the fire to rapidly expand into the fan production areas and the storage warehouse for finished fans, consuming almost everything in its path. Komsan expressed that despite having insurance, the loss is significant as he and his family had meticulously developed the factory since its establishment in 2001, occupying roughly 4 rai of land. He admitted never anticipating such a calamity, estimating the damage to be between 50 million and 100 million baht.
District chief Praphan stated that once the fire is fully extinguished, engineering experts will need to assess the structural integrity of the buildings due to the severe damage. Following this evaluation, forensic teams and relevant officials will investigate to determine the precise cause of the fire, reported KhaoSod.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why do fires in factories spread so rapidly despite modern safety measures?
Factories often house flammable materials; if a fire starts, it can spread quickly, overwhelming safety systems.
How can businesses better prepare to prevent electrical fires like the one in Samut Sakhon?
Regular electrical inspections, updated safety protocols, and training can mitigate the risks of electrical fires.
What if neighbouring businesses hadn’t opened their gates during the fire?
Restricted access could have delayed firefighting efforts, potentially increasing damage and risk to surrounding areas.
How does water scarcity complicate firefighting efforts in industrial areas?
Limited water supply forces firefighters to find alternative sources, delaying response times and exacerbating fire damage.
What are the long-term impacts on businesses after a major fire incident?
Beyond financial losses, companies face reputational damage, operational disruptions, and potentially lengthy rebuilding processes.
