Gas Explosion at Tangerine Ripening Facility Injures Two in Phrae

[Georgealbert]

 

 

A powerful explosion rocked a tangerine ripening facility in Na Phun Subdistrict, Wang Chin District, Phrae Province, on the evening of November 18, leaving two injured and causing significant structural damage.

 

The blast occurred at a fruit stall warehouse, near the Na Phun Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) office. Police Lieutenant Thaksin Palachai of Na Phun Police Station and team were among the first responders to the scene.

 

The facility, a newly constructed high-roofed steel structure, suffered extensive damage. The roof was punctured by a large hole, and crates of tangerines were strewn across the floor. Two individuals sustained injuries: the owner of the facility suffered head wounds, while a worker experienced a ruptured eardrum. Both victims were transported to Wang Chin Hospital by emergency responders from Na Phun SAO.

 

Preliminary investigations revealed that the explosion occurred during a routine ripening process. At the time ripening gas was being used on 200 crates of green-skinned tangerines to enhance their colour and market appeal. While the workers and the owner were having dinner nearby, the gas is believed to have ignited, resulting in the devastating blast.

 

The facility is one of the largest buyers of tangerines in the area, making the incident a significant blow to local agriculture. The exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, prompting authorities from the Phrae Provincial Forensic Office to launch a detailed investigation.

 

Residents reported hearing the explosion up to 30 kilometres away, underscoring the intensity of the blast. Initial damage assessments reveal the facility’s roof and walls suffered major structural harm, and nearby properties, including the Na Phun SAO office, sustained minor damage.

 

Police and forensic experts continue to investigate potential causes, including the possibility of chemical reactions or improper handling of the ripening agents.

 

Picture from responders.

-- 2024-11-20

 

 

[JoePai]

They've been tangoed  🤣

[hotchilli]

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Preliminary investigations revealed that the explosion occurred during a routine ripening process. At the time ripening gas was being used on 200 crates of green-skinned tangerines to enhance their colour and market appeal.

Cross tangerines off my shopping list...

[degrub]

Assuming they were using ethylene, they must have left the cylinder flowing gas for a while under a tent over the fruit cases. Guess they went to eat and forgot it. 100 ppm ethylene in air  is all that is commonly used for fruit ripening. Far away from the lfl of 2.75 % v/v in air. 
 

Other than the blown off roof panels, not a lot of other damage is visible in the photo. Doesn’t take much pressure , maybe 0,5 psi of overpressure to blow off corrugated panels on roofs or walls typical in light warehouse construction.

 

looks like a really small deflagration from what is shown.