Fire Breaks Out in Samut Prakan Rental Building: Elderly & Bedridden Residents Evacuated

[Georgealbert]

 

 

Police officers from the Samrong Nuea Police Station were alerted at approximately 22.20 on October 15, to a fire at a rental building in Soi Dan Samrong 20, Samrong Nuea Subdistrict, Mueang District, Samut Prakan. Several residents were reported to have suffered from smoke inhalation, prompting an immediate response from firefighters, rescue teams, and paramedics from Samut Prakan Hospital.

 

The fire occurred in a 5-story building with around 300 rental rooms. Thick smoke was seen billowing from the building, and rescue teams, assisted by local residents, quickly worked to evacuate the elderly and bedridden residents. Initial reports confirmed that 27 individuals were affected by smoke inhalation. First aid was provided on-site, and five of the more seriously affected victims were transported to the hospital for further treatment.

 

Firefighters discovered that the fire originated in a room on the second floor. The blaze was quickly brought under control with water hose-lines. However, the room where the fire started was completely destroyed, and smoke had spread throughout the building. Firefighters used positive pressure fans to ventilate the structure and clear the remaining smoke.

 

 

According to a neighbour living next to the room where the fire started, they heard noises and discovered flames in an unoccupied room. Smoke quickly filled the neighbouring units. Another resident on the second floor recalled hearing someone shouting about the fire, and when she opened her door, the hallway was already filled with smoke.

 

Mr. Pichai Warin, a 31-year-old resident, attempted to use a fire extinguisher to combat the blaze but was overwhelmed by the heavy smoke. Along with a group of fellow tenants, he tried to extinguish the fire, but it quickly became too intense, forcing them to retreat and wait for the firefighters.

 

Local village headman, Mr. Thongchai Tianbang, confirmed that the fire was contained to the second floor, with no deaths reported. Most residents affected by smoke inhalation received oxygen treatment at the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation, with initial suspicions pointing to an electrical short circuit.

 

Ms. Chitramas Chongjit, 29, the tenant of the room where the fire started, stated that she had left a fan running for her cat while she was away. She suspects that an electrical fault may have caused the fire, as the building and its electrical systems are quite old.

 

Authorities have taken initial photos and recorded statements at the scene. A full investigation will follow to determine the exact cause of the fire and ensure appropriate legal actions are taken.

 

Pictures from responders.

 

-- 2024-10-16