A massive blaze, which broke out in a tissue paper mill on an industrial estate in Saraburi’s Nong Khae district yesterday, killed at least eight people, with two others still unaccounted for.
The fire destroyed almost the entire three-storey facility. Most of the victims were found on the second and third floors, which served as office space.
The fire started around noon on the ground floor, which was used to store paper and other flammable materials. Around 100 workers were present at the time.
Most managed to escape, but office staff became trapped on the upper floors.
Firefighters took several hours to bring the blaze under control, but were initially unable to enter the site due to flames and a collapsed roof.
It wasn't until around 9pm that rescue teams were able to gain access to the building.
The first body was recovered from the ground floor. Later, two more bodies were found on the second floor and five more on the third floor, bringing the confirmed death toll to eight.
Police said the fire spread rapidly because of the highly flammable raw materials. The closed structure, limited ventilation and collapsed roofing made firefighting efforts even more difficult.
By 10pm, the fire was partially under control, but crews continued to spray water to prevent smouldering debris re-igniting and to reduce heat levels.
The factory’s management confirms that both property and employee life insurance policies are in place. They have pledged to compensate the families of the deceased and the injured.
