Nearly nine hours after a massive fire erupted at Khlong Thom Centre, a well-known retail hub for electrical goods, machinery and tools on Worachak Road, firefighters brought under control the blaze, which had engulfed almost the entire building, at 5.32am today.
The fire broke out at about 8.42pm yesterday at the three-storey building in Pom Prap Sattru Phai district, sending thick smoke across the area and prompting authorities to cordon off the scene after parts of the structure began to collapse.
The fire was believed to have started on the first floor, where shops were housed and large quantities of merchandise were
stored.
The large amount of combustible material was believed to have caused the fire to spread rapidly through the building.
The blaze initially appeared to have been brought under control at about 11.20pm, but it suddenly reignited around midnight.
Firefighters then spent more than 30 minutes spraying water to contain the flames.
No deaths have been reported, but 11 people were injured, according to the Erawan Centre of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Medical Service Department.
One of them, a volunteer firefighter who suffered smoke inhalation, was critically injured.
Firefighters continued spraying water inside the building this morning to cool the structure and prevent another flare-up, as thin white smoke was still seen rising from parts of the building. Traffic on Worachak Road in front of the centre has returned to normal.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the building has a steel structure, which could lose its strength or collapse when exposed to intense heat.
Parts of the roof and structure had already begun to buckle.
Deputy Interior Minister Jaiseth Thaiseuth visited the scene to monitor the situation and later visited the injured at Klang Hospital.
The strong smell of smoke from the fire was also reported in several areas far from the blaze, with people taking to social media to say they could smell the smoke from their homes.
Reports said the smell reached areas including Bang Khen, Lak Si, Ngam Wong Wan, Lat Phrao and Nawamin.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration warned residents in areas affected by the smoke to keep their windows and doors closed and avoid inhaling the smoke. People experiencing breathing difficulties or other symptoms were advised to seek medical attention.
The cause of the fire has yet to be established. Police and forensic officers will inspect the scene and collect evidence for detailed scientific examination.
Photos by Fire & Rescue Thailand
