Thai girl escapes Rayong house fire by jumping off roof (video)
A devastating house fire in Rayong left a family in distress after a 13 year old girl, attempting to do her homework by candlelight, narrowly escaped by jumping from the roof. The incident unfolded yesterday evening, November 25, prompting urgent firefighting efforts.
Police in Rayong responded to a report of a house fire near Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon in Tha Pradu, Mueang Rayong at 8pm yesterday. Firefighters from the Rayong Municipality were dispatched to control the blaze.
They discovered the fire raging intensely on the second floor of a house, which was part wood and part concrete. The fire was contained after approximately 30 minutes but not before it had gutted the second floor and destroyed a significant amount of clothing intended for sale by the family.
The young girl, who had been inside when the fire started, was unharmed but visibly shaken. Her father, 54 year old Jiraphan, rushed home upon hearing the news and embraced his daughter with tears of relief, grateful that she was safe despite the extensive damage to their home.
“I was gathering money to pay our electricity bill tomorrow. But we came home to find the electricity cut off. The bill was only a few thousand baht but now the damage is several hundred thousand baht.
“The vintage clothing, which I’ve collected over the years, some worth tens of thousands each, are all gone. I’m just thankful my daughter is safe. I hope the electricity authority considers the struggles of people who live day-to-day and provides notice before cutting off power or offers some leniency.”
His daughter recounted that after returning home from school, she found the electricity had been disconnected. She used a candle to complete her homework and chores, ensuring to extinguish it once she was done.
“I’m certain I put out the candle.”
However, she suddenly noticed flames among the clothes her parents had prepared for sale. Despite her efforts to extinguish it, the fire quickly spread, filling the house with smoke and forcing her to climb out a window and jump from the roof to escape.
Police are coordinating with forensic experts to determine the precise cause of the fire, reported KhaoSod.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why might relying on candlelight for homework lead to unforeseen dangers?
Candlelight can inadvertently cause fires if not monitored, especially in cluttered spaces or where flammable materials like clothing are present.
How can unexpected financial challenges, like unpaid bills, compound into larger crises?
Delays in bill payment can lead to service disconnections, forcing alternative solutions that may increase risk, such as using candles for lighting.
What if utility companies offered more flexible payment options for families living paycheck to paycheck?
Flexible payment plans could prevent service disconnections, reducing the need for hazardous alternatives and promoting financial stability.
How might communities better support families recovering from sudden disasters like house fires?
Communities can offer immediate aid, and temporary shelter, and organize fundraisers to help families rebuild and recover both materially and emotionally.
What lessons could this incident teach about fire safety in mixed-material homes?
Homes with both wood and concrete can still be vulnerable to fire; understanding and implementing fire safety measures is crucial for all structures.
