Chemical Leak Incident at Prachinburi Factory Results in Evacuations

[Georgealbert]

 

 

Prachinburi’s Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office received a report at 15.15 on October 18, of a chemical cloud leak at the HSMT New Material Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd. The factory, located at 358 Moo 4, Tha Tum Subdistrict, Si Maha Phot District, Prachinburi, specialises in chemical production. The company is managed by Chinese national, Mr. Liu.

 

Initial investigations suggest that the leak may have resulted from an explosion in the production process, although no explosion sound was reported. Chemicals leaked from the facility, releasing a large vapour cloud inside the building, with some of the fumes spreading outside. The building was safely evacuated with no injuries reported from workers.

 

Si Maha Phot District Chief, Ms. Juthamas Bua-phuean, who took charge of the incident, ordered the downwind evacuation of nearby residents to the village community hall in Moo 4, Ban Bu Yai Bai, Tha Tum Subdistrict. Medical teams from Si Maha Phot Hospital and the Si Maha Phot District Public Health Office were dispatched to assess the health of approximately 183 evacuees.

 

 

The health assessment results were as follows, 105 individuals were categorised as having no symptoms no exposure to the leak chemical, 48 individuals were categorised as having minor symptoms such as throat and nasal irritation. 

 

However 30 individuals, classified for close monitoring after experiencing eye and nasal irritation and nausea. These individuals were sent for further assessment at Si Maha Phot Hospital.

The details of what chemicals were involved have not been made public, but responders were able to prevent further spread of the vapour cloud and allow natural dispersion in the air, after containment by using water curtains techniques from hose-lines. The situation was declared safe and returned to normal by 20.00, allowing the evacuees to return to their homes, and the evacuation centre was officially closed.

Authorities will continue their investigation into the incident and will monitor the health of nearby residents.

 

Pictures from emergency responders.

 

-- 2024-10-19

 

  

[hotchilli]

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The company is managed by Chinese national, Mr. Liu.

Hmmmm