AYUTTHAYA, THAILAND – A major fire broke out at a Chinese-run electronics materials factory in the Rojana Industrial Park, forcing the evacuation of almost 100 workers as authorities assessed possible impacts from smoke and residues on surrounding areas.
Fire in Rojana Industrial Park: What was known
The blaze started at around 1.30 p.m. in a factory in the Rojana Industrial Park in Tambon Khan Ham, Uthai district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. According to emergency responders, a warehouse building was affected and sustained damage.
The facility was described as a Chinese-operated factory producing electronics materials. Authorities began investigations and inspections at the scene after the fire had been extinguished.
Evacuation put nearly 100 workers out of harm’s way
At the time of the outbreak, almost 100 employees were inside the plant, most of them workers from Myanmar. Official reports stated there were no injuries or fatalities.
The workforce was smaller than usual because of a holiday; typically more than 200 people worked at the site. The evacuation was carried out after conditions inside the building deteriorated rapidly.
Firefighting operation: Multiple water trucks, blaze under control in 40 minutes
Fire crews responded with seven to eight water trucks from nearby areas. After about 40 minutes, responders reported that they had brought the flames under control.
Rescue teams said they encountered heavy smoke on arrival. Because explosions had been reported, teams initially waited until the fire service had assessed the situation before moving closer to the building.
Witnesses describe alarm and explosions
A worker recounted that an alarm first went off but few people reacted because tests were carried out regularly. Shortly afterwards, an explosion was heard and employees fled the building through the smoke.
Emergency personnel also spoke of at least two explosions inside. Reports of loud bangs and thick smoke dominated the first minutes of the evacuation.
Investigating the cause: Electrical short circuit considered
Police and disaster prevention officials inspected the site after the fire but were initially unable to enter the suspected point of origin because of dense smoke. The investigation into the cause of the fire was ongoing.
According to a report by Amarin TV, an electrical short circuit was being considered as a possible cause, though this had not yet been confirmed. Officials had not reached a final conclusion on the exact cause.
Impact on surrounding area: Smoke dispersed quickly, further checks under way
Authorities said the smoke apparently did not affect nearby communities, as it dispersed quickly. Nevertheless, checks were launched to assess potential risks in more detail.
The focus was on whether chemical residues could pose a danger to the public. Further examinations were reported to be in progress by the responsible agencies.
Another major fire in Thailand: Damage in Phetchaburi
Separately, another fire was reported in Phetchaburi province, this time at a plastic bag manufacturing plant where damage exceeded 10 million baht. Extensive firefighting operations were also required at that site.
To tackle the flames effectively, one wall had to be demolished, according to reports. No details were provided on possible injuries or the cause of that fire.