Late-Night Fire Destroys Townhouse, Neighbour Rescues Pet Snakes

Picture from responders.

A fire broke out in a townhouse in Soi Phetkasem 48, Bangkok in the early hours of December 14, causing significant damage to the property and two neighbouring homes. Amidst the chaos, a neighbour managed to save his collection of pet snakes, calling them his most valuable possessions.

At approximately 03:35 Lt. Wacharapong Maneethong of Phasi Charoen Police Station received a report of the fire. Firefighters, rescue teams, and volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation were dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival at House No. 29, Soi Phetkasem 48, the fire was found raging at the rear of a two-story townhouse, starting in the kitchen and quickly spreading to the second floor. The fire also affected two adjacent homes. Firefighters worked swiftly, extinguishing the blaze within 45 minutes.

Two individuals, 14-year-old Pathompong Rojanaprajuk and his 56-year-old mother, Mrs. Panida Klanhar, sustained injuries from smoke inhalation and were rushed to Mit Pracha Hospital for treatment. The house owner, 29-year-old Mr. Thanawat Waipricha, was unharmed.

Mr. Phusit, a 59-year-old neighbour, recounted his experience, saying, “At first, I saw only smoke. When I opened the back door, I noticed flames starting to spread on the balcony. I rushed to grab my belongings and heard the voices of people escaping from the second floor.”

Although the fire completely destroyed the initial townhouse which was the seat of the fire, neighbouring properties sustained only minor damage. Notably, one neighbour managed to rescue his collection of snakes during the evacuation. He carried out seven plastic containers, each housing a snake of various species, and lined them up outside. The incident sparked curiosity among residents, who gathered to watch.

The owner of the snakes reassured everyone, saying, “They’re harmless and non-venomous. I keep them for breeding and because I’m passionate about them. They are my most valuable possessions.”

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.

-- 2024-12-15