Fire Erupts at Auto Accessory Shop, Spreads to Nearby Apartment Complex

A large fire broke out at an auto accessory shop on the Sukhumvit Old Road near Soi Bang Makkhao, in Samut Prakan’s Muang District, on the evening of November 8. The fire, initially ignited by a cooking accident, quickly engulfed the shop and spread to a five-story apartment complex behind it.

Local police from Samut Prakan’s Muang Station received an emergency call about the fire at 21:30 and coordinated with firefighters from Bang Pu municipality and nearby areas, dispatching multiple fire trucks. Emergency response teams, including personnel from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation and Por Tek Tung Foundation, rushed to the scene to assist in firefighting and rescue efforts.

Upon arrival, authorities found intense flames raging within the shop, engulfing several vehicles inside. The blaze rapidly spread to the apartment building behind the shop, forcing nearby residents to hurriedly remove valuables and evacuate the building. Firefighters had to rescue apartment occupants, many of whom were trapped in upper floors by the flames and smoke, before they could focus on containing the fire.

After battling the flames for over an hour, firefighters managed to bring the fire under control. The blaze, however, left significant damage: the auto accessory shop was completely destroyed, with three cars and three motorcycles inside also burned. The apartment building sustained fire damage to four rooms on the fourth and fifth floors.

Three individuals suffered injuries in the incident. Among them was a firefighter who experienced difficulty breathing from smoke inhalation, a 65-year-old shop resident named Mr. Patchara Burakamnakorn, who sustained burns, and a resident who also inhaled smoke. All were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Mr. Patchara, the shop owner, recounted the incident, explaining that while he was cooking, some burning material splashed onto a pile of paper, causing the fire to spread quickly. His partner had locked the shops doors, and there was no water available to extinguish the flames in time. The couple lived in the shop with one other person.

Ms. Kanya Burakamnakorn, 57, who lives on the third floor of the apartment, said she was about to go to bed when she smelled smoke and stepped outside her room to find the hallway filled with smoke. She immediately grabbed her son, and they rushed out. She noted she was unsure of where the fire had started but mentioned hearing noises before noticing the smoke.

Police have stated that they will summon those present at the time of the incident for further questioning and will work with forensic teams to investigate the cause of the fire and determine the extent and cost of the damage.

Pictures from responders.

-- 2024-11-09