Fire Breaks Out at Thai Massage Shop, Owner Rescued by Responders

Picture from responders.

A fire erupted at a two-storey traditional Thai massage shop in Sa Nam Chai Khet, Chachoengsao, trapping the owner inside, but thanks to the quick actions of responders she was rescued safely. 

The incident occurred due to incense sticks that had been lit for a worship ritual, leading to a blaze that took approximately 60 minutes to bring under control.

On the morning of 19 February, residents alerted the local fire department about the flames coming from the commercial building, located opposite the Sa Nam Chai Khet police station. Upon arrival, firefighters and police officers joined forces with volunteers from the local rescue team to combat the fire.

The owner of the massage shop, Ms. Somjai, aged 40, was trapped and shouting from a window on the second floor, where the fire had originated. The rescue team faced difficulties initially due to thick smoke billowing from the building and live electrical wires restricting external access to the trapped casualty. However, they managed to enter and reach the second floor internally using breathing apparatus and successfully evacuate Ms. Somjai. 

During the rescue, a responder slipped and fell down the stairs, sustaining injuries. The rescue team provided first aid and transported the injured individual to Sa Nam Chai Khet Hospital for further treatment.

Firefighters worked for about an hour before they were able to contain the blaze. Preliminary investigations by local police revealed that several items, including a refrigerator, electrical appliances, a wardrobe, a fan, and ceiling materials, had been damaged in the fire. 

Authorities believe that the cause was the incense sticks lit at the Buddhist altar located on the second floor. Fortunately, the flames did not spread to adjacent premises, averting a potentially larger disaster.

Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident while reminding the public to exercise caution when using incense in enclosed spaces.

-- 2025-02-20