At approximately 11:00 on November 26, police investigator Pol. Lt. Narong Wangso from the Sakaeo Police Station, Suphan Buri Province, responded to a report of an oil drum explosion at a scrap metal yard in Moo 1, Sanam Khli Subdistrict, Mueang Suphan Buri District. 

 

Local officials, including Prasong Thammapala, head of the Provincial Disaster Prevention Office; Wirat Khamhomkul, Mayor of Ban Pho Subdistrict Municipality; Thet Mongkhon Suphankong, Mayor of Sanam Khli Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO); and rescue teams, also attended the scene.

 

The incident occurred at a scrap yard handling aluminium and pallets, with part of the site converted for aluminium smelting. The injured worker, identified as Mr. Tuy, a 32-year-old Myanmar national, suffered a fractured right leg. Rescue personnel provided first aid before rushing him to Chaophraya Yommarat Hospital.

 

At the scene, authorities found several 200 litre steel oil drums, some partially cut open. One drum, lying near a pile of tamarind branches, showed signs of buckling at its base, with its lid blown off and landing over 50 metres away.

 

Mr. Tuy explained that he was using an oxy-propane torch to cut open the drums, which previously contained used engine oil. While cutting one drum, an explosion occurred, sending the lid flying past his head and causing the drum to strike his left leg, fracturing it. He attributed the explosion to leftover flammable vapour inside the drum, as he had not vented it properly.

 

Mrs. Som Song, 75, the scrap yard owner, stated that she had registered her business with the SAO but was unaware of the need for additional permits. She claimed that aluminum smelting activities had been deemed minor by provincial industry officials, who assured her no permit was required.

 

However, Pol. Sub. Lt. Chakrawan Mueanbangsue, a Sanam Khli SAO officer, noted that the yard had previously been the subject of complaints regarding wastewater discharge into nearby rice fields. On March 28, the SAO inspected the site and issued a warning to halt operations until proper permits were obtained. Despite this, no action was taken, and the owner continued operations.

 

Following the explosion, authorities reiterated that the business must cease unauthorised activities and obtain the required permits. While this specific incident was linked to the worker’s use of a gas torch rather than aluminium smelting, officials emphasised the importance of compliance with regulations to prevent further incidents and legal consequences.

 

Picture from responders.

-- 2024-11-27

 

 

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Mr. Tuy explained that he was using an oxy-propane torch to cut open the drums, which previously contained used engine oil.

Seemed like a good idea at the time.

11 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

While this specific incident was linked to the worker’s use of a gas torch rather than aluminium smelting, officials emphasised the importance of compliance with regulations to prevent further incidents and legal consequences.

Always wondered how employees - all over the world - can get hired if they cannot read the local language safety certificates and needs. Or explain to others in the local language the problems as they arise. Never employ a non speaking local language person. 

No lessons learned then?

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26847366#:~:text=At least seven people were,it%2C believing it was inactive.