Gas Leak Triggers Explosion in Townhouse, Injuring Homeowner

Picture from responders.

A 47-year-old homeowner narrowly escaped death after an undetected gas leak caused an explosion when he switched on the lights upon returning home. The powerful blast shook neighbouring houses and left him with flash burn injuries to his face, head, and arms.

The incident occurred in a two-storey townhouse, on the evening of January 31, in a residential area on Tiwanon Road, Nonthaburi province. Local police and forensic teams were dispatched to the scene alongside rescue workers after receiving reports of a gas explosion.

Upon arrival, authorities found extensive damage inside the house. The explosion had blown out the front windows, shattering glass across the ground. The kitchen was devastated, with household items scattered everywhere. Even the second floor suffered damage, with sections of the ceiling collapsing due to the force of the blast. A black pickup truck parked outside sustained minor damage.

The injured man, Mr Kamon, 47, had just returned from work and was unaware that gas had leaked and accumulated inside the house. As he switched on the lights, a spark ignited the gas, triggering the explosion. He sustained burns to his face, head, and arms before emergency responders rushed him to hospital for treatment.

A nearby resident, who was tidying their home at the time, described the explosion as so loud and powerful that it shook their house. Initially, they thought a neighbour was unloading heavy items, but soon realised the seriousness of the situation when they saw people rushing outside to check.

Emergency services are investigating the cause of the gas leak to prevent further incidents. The homeowner remains in hospital, receiving treatment for his injuries.

-- 2025-02-02