Gas Cylinder Explosion at Sattahip Temple Fair Injures Several, Damages Vehicles

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

A gas cylinder used for inflating balloons exploded at a temple fair in Sattahip, Chonburi, on the morning of January 29, injuring several people and damaging multiple vehicles. The incident occurred at Wat Sattahip, known for its annual celebrations honouring Luang Pu Yi, coinciding with the first night of Chinese New Year festivities.

 

Emergency responders from the Sawang Rojanatham Sathan Foundation and officers from Sattahip Police Station arrived at the scene near the crematorium of the Royal Thai Navy’s Sattahip base, adjacent to the temple. Among the injured was a 68-year-old Thai man, identified only as “O,” who suffered a lower leg amputation due to the blast. He was immediately transported to Queen Sirikit Naval Hospital for urgent medical treatment.

 

According to witnesses, the victim had been using a modified and visibly aged gas cylinder to inflate balloons for sale at the fair. Investigators believe the explosion may have been caused by an unsafe gas mixture being used to generate gas to inflate the balloons. The blast was so powerful that debris, including fragments of the cylinder, was scattered across the parking area, damaging several nearby vehicles.

 

A truck driver working with a travelling amusement ride company, who had parked near the site, recounted that he had stepped away to the Ferris wheel when he heard a loud explosion. Upon returning, he found the injured vendor and the surrounding area in chaos.

 

 
CCTV of the blast.

 

Authorities cordoned off the area while forensic teams from Chonburi Province conduct further investigations. The temple fair, which runs from 29 January to 4 February, is expected to attract large crowds, with entertainment, food stalls, and religious ceremonies drawing visitors throughout the week.

 

Local officials have urged vendors and fair organisers to ensure proper safety measures when handling gas cylinders and other hazardous materials to prevent similar incidents.

 

-- 2025-01-30