Fire Engulfs Building in Lopburi, Damaging Six Units

Picture from responders.

A fire broke out on the morning of January 6, destroying six units of a block in the heart of Lopburi’s urban community. Residents scrambled to save belongings and pets as flames consumed the two-storey structures, with damages estimated in the millions of baht.

At approximately 09:10, Lopburi City Police Station received reports of a fire at an apartment block in the Khao Sam Yot community, located in Khao Sam Yot Subdistrict, Mueang Lopburi District. Thirteen fire engines from neighbouring areas were dispatched to the scene.

The affected structure consisted of 10 units, built decades ago with a mix of concrete and wood. After nearly an hour of firefighting efforts, authorities successfully brought the blaze under control. However, six units were completely destroyed.

Among the units, half were leased by a single tenant, 40-year-old Mr. Polwat, who used them for a furniture business. The remaining units were residential properties rented by other tenants.

Eyewitnesses reported that the fire appeared to originate on the second floor of unit seven and rapidly spread to adjacent units. At the time of the incident, the affected units were unoccupied, allowing neighbours to assist in evacuating belongings and several caged dogs to safety. Thankfully, no injuries or fatalities were reported.

Authorities suspect an electrical short circuit to be the cause of the fire but are continuing investigations to determine the exact cause. Initial estimates suggest damages could amount to millions of baht.

This incident highlights the vulnerabilities of ageing structures in densely populated communities.

-- 2025-01-07