Fire & Explosion Rocks Water Pump Station in Maha Sarakham

[Georgealbert]

 

 

Picture of the incident courtesy of ThaiRath.

 

Multiple possible explosions were heard from an electric water pump station in Tha Song Khon, Maha Sarakham. The incident occurred as the station was operating at full capacity to pump water from an overflowing reservoir.

 

The incident took place on September 19, following heavy rains that caused the Kaeng Loeng Chan Reservoir in Mueang District to exceed its capacity, reaching 105% with 8.4 million cubic metres of water, surpassing its 8 million cubic metre limit. As the water spilled over, it flowed into the overflow canal designed to channel excess water into the Chi River. However, the rising water level of the Chi River presented an obstacle to the drainage efforts.

 

 

In response, irrigation officials activated four high-capacity pumps at the Tha Song Khon sluice gate to drain nearly 1 million cubic metres of water per day, aiming to prevent floodwaters from entering the inner city.

 

At approximately 18:00 a short circuit occurred in the control panel of one of the electric pumps, igniting a fire inside the Tha Song Khon sluice gate building. Multiple explosions followed, sending clouds of smoke into the air and causing nearby villagers, who had been fishing near the station, to flee in all directions. The series of explosions ceased shortly after, but the control panel continued to burn, disabling all four pumps in operation.

 

Rescue personnel from the Tha Song Khon Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) arrived at the scene, using fire extinguishers to put out the flames. Authorities are now awaiting forensic investigators to determine the cause of the fire and subsequent explosions.

 

An official from the pump station stated that the pumps had been restarted at 17:00 following a brief one-hour break after running continuously for 10 hours. Moments after restarting, the official heard two loud bangs from the back of the control panel, and upon inspection, discovered a short circuit had triggered the fire. Despite efforts to shut down the system, an explosion occurred before the switch could be thrown, leaving the cause of the short circuit unclear.

 

In preparation for the incoming Typhoon Saola, expected to hit the region on September 20, the irrigation department plans to deploy large portable pumps as a temporary measure. Officials will monitor water levels around the clock and advise residents to follow emergency protocols in the event of sudden flooding. 
 

-- 2024-09-20

 

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

In preparation for the incoming Typhoon Saola, expected to hit the region on September 20, the irrigation department plans to deploy large portable pumps as a temporary measure. Officials will monitor water levels around the clock and advise residents to follow emergency protocols in the event of sudden flooding. 

When it rains it pours..

[watchcat]

20 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Multiple possible explosions were heard from an electric water pump station in Tha Song Khon, Maha Sarakham. The incident occurred as the station was operating at full capacity to pump water from an overflowing reservoir.

 

Someone was unhappy with the flooding/raining ?