Store Destroyed by Firework Blaze in Samut Sakhon

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures from responders.

 

A fire broke out at the “Yi Jap” store in Krathum Baen, Samut Sakhon, on the evening of 30 December, causing damages estimated at over 5 million baht. The fire, sparked by fireworks, engulfed the store and destroyed its entire inventory.

 

The incident occurred around 20:00 at the popular shop, which sells 20-baht goods and miscellaneous items. Located near the Tonson Night Plaza Market in the Tha Mai subdistrict, the single-story store spanned nearly one rai and was packed with merchandise. Firefighters from multiple local authorities were dispatched to the scene, with over 10 fire engines battling the blaze for approximately 90 minutes, before it was brought under control.

 

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a teenage boy, estimated to be 14 or 15 years old, lighting a firework outside the store. However, instead of shooting upwards, the firework exploded in all directions, with sparks igniting festive decorations, including a Christmas tree and tinsel hanging at the shop’s entrance. The fire quickly spread into the store, where it reached stockpiles of fireworks, causing a series of further explosions that intensified the flames.

 

Although the store and its goods were entirely destroyed, all five staff members and several customers managed to escape without injury.

 

Mr. Chatchai Netkhaem, a member of the local civil defence team, described the chaotic scene, saying, “I was patrolling the market when I heard the sound of fireworks and saw flames erupt. We tried using fire extinguishers, but the flames were too intense, forcing us to retreat until the fire engines arrived.”

 

The Governor of Samut Sakhon, Mr. Naris Niramaiwong, visited the site to oversee the response and express support for emergency personnel. He was accompanied by local officials, including the District Chief of Krathum Baen and senior fire safety officers.

 

 

Preliminary investigations revealed that the store had been illegally selling fireworks to the public. Governor Naris emphasized that such activity is against the law and reiterated the government’s strict policy to crack down on the sale and use of hazardous materials during the New Year period.

 

“This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of unregulated fireworks sales,” the governor stated. “I urge all local authorities to remain vigilant and enforce safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies. Additionally, I appeal to the public to avoid using fireworks without proper authorisation and to celebrate responsibly to ensure everyone’s safety.”

 

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and have pledged to hold the store’s operators accountable for any violations of the law.

 

-- 2024-12-31