Fire Breaks Out at Rayong Preschool, Explosion Heard as Teachers Evacuate Children

Pictures and video from responders.

A fire broke out at the Thap Ma Preschool in Rayong, triggering explosions and sending some panic through the facility as teachers hurried to evacuate around 100 children aged 1 to 3 years old. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.

At approximately 16:00 on December 6, police officer Lt. Col. Kawiwoot Boonruang received reports of a fire at the preschool located in Thap Ma, Mu 4, Mueang District, Rayong. Firefighting teams from the Thap Ma Municipality and the Sawaeng Phorakulsam Rescue Foundation were quickly dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the building engulfed in smoke and flames pouring from a classroom. They immediately began dousing the flames with water, managing to bring the fire under control within 30 minutes. Thankfully, there were no reports of injuries or fatalities.

The fire caused significant damage inside the classroom, destroying learning materials and textbooks. All the children, who had been preparing to go home, were quickly and safely evacuated by teachers. The children, some in shock, were later reunited with their parents.

Ms. Nattirat Chetdchum, the 46-year-old director of the preschool, explained that the incident occurred suddenly. “The children were getting ready to leave when we suddenly heard a loud explosion, followed by a power outage. Then flames and smoke erupted from the electrical outlet. We immediately evacuated the children and called for emergency services,” she said. “Fortunately, all the children are safe. The cause of the fire seems to be electrical, as the explosion originated from that area.”

Initial investigations by the police suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit, though authorities have stated that further investigation will be conducted to confirm the cause and assess the total damage

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-- 2024-12-07