Blaze Engulfs Bang Phli Community: Woman Dies

Picture from responders.

A fire broke out on the afternoon of 13 January in a densely populated wooden housing community located in Soi Pioneer, Bang Chalong subdistrict, Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan, Thailand. The inferno, which started in a single home, quickly spread to neighbouring properties, leaving one woman dead and destroying at least 10 homes.

The blaze originated in the home of the deceased, a 49-year-old woman with a history of mental illness, who was unable to escape in time. Her body was discovered among the charred remains of her house once the fire was extinguished.

As the fire spread rapidly, residents, including a mix of locals and migrant workers, scrambled to evacuate and rescue belongings. In a dramatic scene, over 20 Myanmar and Thai residents united to push a pickup truck out of a garage as flames encroached, managing to save it with their bare hands.

Firefighters from Bang Chalong Municipality deployed nearly 10 fire engines to combat the flames, working alongside emergency response teams. After an hour and a half of effort, they succeeded in bringing the blaze under control, preventing further destruction.

Among the victims was Ms. On Insombat, who broke down in tears as she recounted her losses. Her home, along with valuable possessions, religious amulets, professional tools, and important documents, was reduced to ashes while she was at work. Similarly, Ms. Lamjuan Janon, a vegetable vendor, lost her home and belongings, including clothes, bedding, and cash savings of over 60,000 baht that she had set aside to repay debts.

Mr. Cho-um Tangsofa, the Mayor of Bang Chalong Municipality, reported that 10 homes, including rented rooms, were affected by the fire. Temporary shelters have been established at Wat Bang Chalong Nai temple, with provisions for food, clothing, and bedding underway. Authorities are also surveying the damage and coordinating relief efforts for affected families.

Police Colonel Phairoj Phetploy, Superintendent of Bang Phli Police Station, stated that the fire started in the deceased woman’s home, where she lived alone. While the exact cause remains undetermined, initial investigations suggest it could have been triggered by an electrical short circuit. Officials are awaiting forensic results and have instructed investigators to interview witnesses and relevant parties to uncover further details.

-- 2025-01-14