Massive Fire Destroys Fan Manufacturing Plant in Samut Sakhon

A fire engulfed a major fan manufacturing factory in Samut Sakhon early morning on November 22, causing extensive damage, burning for over five hours and with losses estimated at between 50 and 100 million baht.

The blaze broke out at Thai Wire Mesh Industry Co., Ltd. and TKT Electric Co., Ltd., which share the same premises in Nadee Subdistrict, Muang District. The companies produce fans under the “T.K.T” brand and are owned by the same operator. Emergency services were alerted at approximately 01:00 in the morning.

Responding to the scene were police officers led by Pol. Lt. Col. Sukhum Paothaisong, Deputy Superintendent of Muang Samut Sakhon Police Station, and Pol. Lt. Col. Wichit Lunpa, an investigator, along with district officials and 20 fire trucks from Samut Sakhon and neighbouring provinces.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered intense flames that rapidly consumed the facility. The fire, deemed one of the largest in the province for some time, took over five hours to control. Despite these efforts, residual hot spots required continued dousing. Preliminary assessments reveal nearly total destruction of the factory, including three delivery trucks used for product transportation.

Mr. Komsan Chaowjirapan, the 70-year-old factory owner, recounted that the fire began shortly after workers finished their shifts around midnight. A security guard on duty heard a noise resembling an explosion near the security booth and discovered sparks from a short-circuiting power line. Despite using several fire extinguishers, the guard was unable to control the flames, which quickly spread through the factory.

The building, which housed plastic pellets and other highly combustible materials for fan production, was engulfed in flames before firefighters could arrive. “The fire destroyed almost everything. Although we had insurance, it cannot compensate for the 30 years of hard work my family and I put into building this factory,” said Mr. Komsan.

Initial damage estimates are between 50 and 100 million baht, though the exact figure remains undetermined.

Lt. Pranphan Tueksakul, District Chief of Muang Samut Sakhon, confirmed that structural engineers would assess the building’s stability before further investigation. Forensic experts and related authorities will examine the site to determine the fire’s precise cause, ensuring proper documentation for legal proceedings.

The fire. marks a significant loss for the local business community. Authorities are urging safety inspections at similar facilities to prevent future incidents.

Pictures and video from responders.

-- 2024-11-22