Fire Destroys Auto Repair Shop in Nonthaburi, Burning Five Cars

Picture and video from responders.

An auto repair shop in Nonthaburi was engulfed in flames early morning on December 7, destroying five cars and alarming nearby residents with loud explosions and intense fire. The blaze occurred at “Chang Tao Garage,” located in Samakkhi 59 Alley, Tha Sai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nonthaburi.

The fire broke out at around 00:20, prompting police officers from Rattanathibet Police Station, firefighters, and rescue personnel from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation to respond. A total of nine fire trucks were dispatched to the scene.

The shop, a two-story structure made of wood and steel, was used as both a residence and a repair shop. When authorities arrived, they found the fire raging, with loud explosions reportedly coming from vehicle tanks, gas cylinders and 200-litre oil barrels stored on the premises. Fumes from thinners and gasoline spread throughout the area, making the scene even more hazardous.

It took firefighters over an hour to bring the blaze under control. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.

Ms. Suksawat, a 42-year-old resident living next door to the garage, recounted the terrifying experience. “At first, I thought it was just another loud argument or a gunshot because people drink and party here regularly. But then I heard someone shouting, and when we looked outside, we saw the flames.”

Ms. Suksawat quickly gathered her two children and essential belongings, including her husband’s musical instruments, and moved her car away from the danger zone. She described hearing several explosions, including a large initial blast followed by three or four smaller ones, possibly caused by gas or oil canisters.

Mr. Narintorn Phokaew, a volunteer from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, explained the challenges firefighters faced. “When we arrived, the fire had already spread throughout the building. We had to use multiple water hose-lines, due to the presence of flammable materials such as thinner, paint, and petrol engine cars. Parts of the building’s structure collapsed during the operation.”

The cause of the fire is suspected to be an electrical short circuit, though investigators will inspect the site to confirm. Officials from the Nonthaburi Provincial Forensic Division will also examine the evidence to determine liability.

The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but the fire has left the garage and its contents, including five vehicles, completely destroyed.

-- 2024-12-08