Oxygen Plant Blast Injures Three, One in Critical Condition

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders 

 

A blast rocked an oxygen filling plant in Udon Thani on the morning of September 27, leaving three workers injured, one of whom is in critical condition with a severed arm.

 

At 09:35, Udon Thani City Police and rescue teams were alerted to a powerful blast at an oxygen filling plant located at 123 Moo 8, Ban Nong Mun Thao, Phon Sung Subdistrict, Mueang District, Udon Thani. The plant, situated along Mittraphap Road (Highway 2) heading into Udon Thani, was severely damaged by the blast, which sent debris flying and caused panic among the workers.

 

 

Rescue teams quickly arrived at the scene and found three injured individuals. The most seriously injured was identified as 39-year-old Wasin Matphonthong, an oxygen filler, who was found unconscious with his right arm severed. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Another worker, Somjit Jaiyen, 50, suffered injuries from metal debris that struck his left hand and shoulder. The third injured worker has not yet been identified.

 

The blast caused significant damage to the plant’s structure, with the roof punctured and windows and doors shattered. Several oxygen cylinders were also found toppled and scattered inside the plant. It was found that one of the cylinders had exploded, leading authorities to evacuate the area to prevent further danger.

 

Atthiwat Woraphan, a highway rescue volunteer, reported that the team responded immediately upon receiving the alert. He confirmed that Wasin’s condition was critical and that he had been rushed to the hospital as quickly as possible. The other two workers sustained minor injuries.

 

Krissada Sophakul, 31, an oxygen filler at the plant, recounted the terrifying moment of the explosion. “We were all working when we suddenly heard the blast. Wasin was working alone on the upper floor. Everyone fled immediately. Since the plant opened, we’ve never experienced anything like this, it was truly shocking,” he said.

 

Authorities are now waiting for forensic experts to investigate the cause of the blast and have secured the area to prevent any further incidents involving the remaining oxygen tanks.

 

Police and investigators will continue to examine the scene to determine the exact cause of this event. Possible causes are mishandling of the cylinder, such as dropping it or something piecing it, or the oxygen was contaminated by oil/grease, causing a violent oxidation exothermic reaction.

 

-- 2024-09-27