Phuket noodle shop fire scrambles safety after gas blunder

A blaze erupted at the ‘Reua-bai’ noodle shop on the Chalong-to-Kata road yesterday after a Myanmar worker accidentally left the gas on while cooking an egg dish.

Police were alerted around 3.30pm, yesterday, September 8, prompting a swift response from officers and firefighters from Chalong Municipality. The fire caused substantial damage to the shop’s kitchen, located next to Mini Big C, halfway between Chalong Circle and Kata Hill.

Firefighters managed to douse the flames within 20 minutes, stopping them from spreading further. Thankfully, no injuries were reported despite the severe damage to the kitchen area.

Saifon Boonwan, the 40 year old owner of the noodle shop, revealed that the fire started in the kitchen behind the two-storey building, which also serves as the owner’s residence. Saifon explained that a gas leak caused the fire after the Myanmar staff member forgot to turn off the gas following egg preparation.

“The fire started because the gas was left on after cooking.”

The emergency services rescue team are still investigating to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess the total damage. The incident highlights the crucial need for stringent safety protocols in commercial kitchens to prevent similar accidents in the future, reported Phuket News.

Pictures courtesy of Phuket News

In related news, a gas explosion at a cook-to-order restaurant in Chiang Mai’s Chang Phueak area resulted in a devastating fire, leaving one person seriously injured. Emergency services are investigating the incident that caused significant property damage.

On September 5, at 1.45pm, a fire broke out at a restaurant in the Santitham neighbourhood, located in Soi Ratchaphruek, Chang Phueak subdistrict, Mueang district, Chiang Mai province.

A gas cylinder explosion triggered the blaze while food was being prepared, leading to extensive damage to the establishment. Additionally, a motorcycle parked nearby was also engulfed in flames.

Local administrative organisations swiftly dispatched fire trucks and personnel to tackle the blaze.