A foam plant in the neighbouring province of Samutprakan, Thailand’s capital, has been destroyed in a massive explosion and subsequent fire
More than 50 tonnes of chemicals were stored in six warehouses at the plant. The explosion occurred at around 02:50 local time (22:50 Moscow time on July 4). The explosion was followed by a large-scale fire: the flames engulfed the entire area and damaged various buildings within a radius of several kilometres. About 300 homes were damaged, according to the Thai News Agency.
More than 30 fire engines were sent to the scene. The blaze was brought under control in the morning, but Major General Amphon Buarapphon, head of Thailand’s Region One police department, said a second explosion at the chemical plant could occur at any time.
“There are still large quantities of chemicals in the plant, up to 60 tonnes, which cannot be removed amid the ongoing fire. The fire could get close to them at any moment and there could be a second explosion”, – Buarapphon told Amarin TV live.
Thai authorities have ordered people living and working within a 5km radius of the chemical plant to evacuate due to the likelihood of repeated explosions. Severe traffic jams have occurred in the area.