Thread: Bangkok: Factory inferno kills 1, at least 60 injured

One rescuer was killed and more than 60 people injured in an overnight explosion and inferno at a chemical factory that continued to send black smoke into the sky over Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan late into Monday afternoon.

Helicopters, some from the army, were called in to help firefighters spray flame retardant foam over the burining Ming Dih Chemical Co factory complex.

They were battling to keep the advancing flames away from further stores of chemicals at the site, and prevent another explosion.

Authorities warned of toxic fumes being generated by the burning chemicals.

Resue foundations reported one of their firefighters was killed by the fire and 12 others were injured. Fifty other people were also hurt.

The initial explosion, which was felt nine kilometres away, damaged 73 houses and 15 cars in the nearby neighbourhood.

Thai Rath identified the dead victim as Kornsith Laophan, 18, who was killed as he and other volunteers were fleeing flames surging from a store of chemicals. He stumbled and was overtaken by the fire.

The Taiwanese-owned factory manufactures plastic foam and pellets.

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said the inferno began with an explosion about 3.20am. What set it off was not known.

Homes within a five-kilometre radius were evacuated amid fears of further explosions of the reported 50 tonnes of chemicals stored at the premises.

Firefighters and helicopters were reportedly trying to defend one particular area that held 20,00 litres of chemicals.

Pollution Control Department director-general Attapol Charoenchansa warned people that styrene monomer fumes from the blaze were carcinogenic .

The fire was about 10 kilometres from Suvarnabhumi airport, and the black smoke rising above the fire was clearly visible from there. However, airport deputy managing director Krittiya Konthong said flights were not being affected.

Factory inferno kills 1, at least 60 injured

They're evacuating people within 5km cos another one might go up.

unbelievable that they should build a new moo-ban along side it.

Thai Authorities Warn of Carcinogenic Fumes and Order Evacuation around Burning Factory


BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Pollution Control Department has warned the public that fumes from styrene monomers are carcinogenic and must not be inhaled, following yesterday’s massive blaze at the Ming Dih Chemical Co factory complex, in Samut Prakan’s Bang Phli district.


Authorities have ordered residents in a 10-kilometre radius of the blast site to evacuate, due to the dangers of toxic smoke inhalation, while helicopters were called in to help firefighters spray fire retardant foam over the burning complex. Their focus was to keep the advancing flames away from other chemical storage sites in the compound, which could trigger further explosions.


The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported that at least 70 houses and 15 vehicles were damaged by the explosion, while a rescue worker was killed and at least 39 people, including 12 other rescue workers, were injured.


The department said the inferno began with an explosion about 3.10am Monday morning, but it has not yet determined what caused the blast. The effort to extinguish the chemical fire sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky above Bang Phli district throughout the day yesterday, which was visible from many parts of the capital.

National News Bureau Of Thailand

explosion at 3.10am,with that multitude of damage its lucky there was nobody inside the building as there were no reports of casuals inside.
did you see all the helpers,t-shirts,shorts and flip-flops.

At Least 80,000 People Affected By Fire At Chemical Factory

At least 80,000 people have been affected by a massive fire that ravaged the Ming Dih Chemical Co factory complex in Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan on Monday.


On Tuesday, the blaze was brought under control briefly, only to reignite amid the charred ruins of the factory on Tuesday around 4pm, prompting firefighters to spray flame retardant foam in an attempt to control the latest blaze.


Overall, firefighters took more than 24 hours to douse the fire that followed an explosion around 3am on Monday.


They earlier announced the fire was under control at 5am on Tuesday.


One rescue worker was killed while battling the inferno and 40 others were injured including firefighters.


Provincial governor Wanchai Kongkasem on Tuesday said that the damage from the fire spanned a vast radius around the burned-out factory, causing damage to private property and affecting 80,916 people across four tambons in Bang Phli district.


Of the total, 34,736 people in 22,563 households were impacted in tambon Racha Thewa, 18,490 people in 12,363 households in tambon Bang Phli Yai, 23,277 people in 17,188 households in tambon Bang Kaew and 4,413 people in 4,177 households in tambon Bang Chalong.


The explosion and the fire forced the evacuation of 1,992 residents living within a 5-km radius of the factory.


Some of those affected took refuge at one of eight emergency shelters.


Pol Maj Gen Chumphon Phumphuang, chief of Samut Prakan provincial police, said 183 people have so far filed complaints of damage against the company.


Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said the Pollution Control Department needs to ensure the air quality within 3-5km from the fire-gutted factory is safe before residents in the areas were allowed to return home.


An initial inspection showed that the air quality within one kilometre of the site was harmful to health on Tuesday.


Mr Silpa-archa also noted the factory opened three decades when there was no environmental impact assessment (EIA) regulation in place.


The area will also be inspected as to whether it was originally designated for commercial or residential purposes, he added.


Meanwhile, Ming Dih Chemical Co has issued a statement expressing its profound regrets over the incident and pledged to offer compensation for all the damage that occurred.

At Least 80,000 People Affected By Fire At Chemical Factory | Chiang Mai News - Daily News Stories From Chiang Mai & Thailand

The explosion and fire are already a thing, but I'm more concerned about the pollution of the air, soil and water that could have long term effects.

I've seen similar events in Farangland, so can't blame the legendary Mai pen Rai attitude here.

Originally Posted by Farang Ky Ay

I've seen similar events in Farangland, so can't blame the legendary Mai pen Rai attitude here.

Oh yes

Originally Posted by Farang Ky Ay

I'm more concerned about the pollution of the air, soil and water that could have long term effects.

As a side comment it is now known, that the foam, they used some years back, to put out fires like this, is some toxic shit.

Has PFOS in it.

If the firebrigade used that to fight a fire in your house, you could wave goodbye to your garden aswell

Long term effects

Ain't modern technological life [and the benefits] grand.....
Siwilai.

Originally Posted by HuangLao

Ain't modern technological life [and the benefits] grand.....

Human race has fulfilled its purpose.

Invention of plastic

Maybe it's time to fuck off

ming dih co. manufacture's of FIRE RETARDANT foam and pellats and what else.
feel sad that a young volunteer should loose his life,i wonder if he knew what he was up against.
R.I.P. BRAVE ONE.

Thai Industry Ministry Orders Closure of Ming Dih Chemical Factory


BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Industry Ministry has ordered Ming Dih Chemical company to close down its factory, located among communities in Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan province, following the fire on Monday which affected at least 80,000 residents in the area.


Industry Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said Ming Dih Chemical has to relocate its operations to an industrial estate and follow the rules if it wants to continue operating in the kingdom, adding that, although the company has been banned from the area, it will retain its Board of Investment privileges.


He said officials also analyzed 14 locations, within an 8km radius of the fire, measuring air quality in the aftermath of the explosion and found 0.42–0.83 parts per million (ppm) of styrene monomer, which is considered safe as it is still under 20ppm.


According to the Industry Minister, no hazardous substance has been found in the two canals near the factory, but locals were told not to drink the water.

National News Bureau Of Thailand

Originally Posted by misskit

34,736 people in 22,563 households were impacted in tambon Racha Thewa, 18,490 people in 12,363 households in tambon Bang Phli Yai, 23,277 people in 17,188 households in tambon Bang Kaew and 4,413 people in 4,177 households in tambon Bang Chalong.

They average around 3 people per 2 houses?


Can I move there once they're rebuilt and safe from being inferno'd?

It's Bang Phli, most are probably bought but empty in a hopeful wish that the new BTS makes them millions.

Originally Posted by Edmond

They average around 3 people per 2 houses?

Originally Posted by armstrong

It's Bang Phli, most are probably bought but empty

Yes, that makes sense.