A late-night fire at a hotel in Lampang province triggered the evacuation of guests from nearly 30 rooms after a suspected chemical reaction in stored drain cleaning treatments, caused an explosion and fire.
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The incident was reported at 9.00pm on 10 June 2026. Pol Lt Col Suwit Deemeehan, an investigator at Hang Chat Police Station, received reports of a fire and people potentially trapped inside a hotel in Moo 13, Pong Yang Khok subdistrict, Hang Chat district, Lampang. Fire engines, Pong Yang Khok rescue volunteers, the Lampang Rescue Association and nearby rescue units were dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, emergency responders found hotel guests fleeing the building as smoke billowed from the structure. The fire originated in Room 103. Firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control, while rescue personnel searched the hotel to determine whether anyone remained trapped inside.
Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath
Initial inspections confirmed that all guests had safely evacuated and no injuries were reported. Witnesses staying at the hotel said they heard what sounded like an explosion before large amounts of smoke began pouring from the room, prompting a rush to escape. Some guests were forced to climb down from the second floor using ladders.
Preliminary findings indicate that someone had placed microorganisms or a chemical substance into a bathroom drain to clear a blockage and left the material inside the pipe. Authorities believe the substance subsequently underwent a chemical reaction, causing an explosion and fire inside the room. The resulting smoke spread through the hotel, causing panic among guests.
Nattaphon Wongchoowan, a volunteer with the Lampang Rescue Association, said rescue teams were initially informed that people might be trapped inside the hotel. Firefighters entered the building and found smoke and flames in Room 103 before extinguishing the fire within a short period.
ThaiRath reported that he added that the room sustained damage to its door and air-conditioning unit. Rescue teams then checked all rooms to ensure no guests remained inside. Their inspection confirmed that everyone had escaped safely and that only one room suffered damage. Authorities have not reported any casualties. Investigations into the exact cause of the fire are continuing.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now ThaiRath 11 June 2026