Pictures from responders.

 

A fierce fire broke out at Ang Thong Patthamarot Witthayakhom School in Mueang Ang Thong district in the early hours of the morning of 24 February, causing extensive damage to a three-storey building. Firefighters battled the blaze for over an hour and half, before bringing it under control.

 

The fire, which ignited at approximately 02:30, engulfed the school’s art exhibition hall within Building 2. The intensity of the flames was exacerbated by the large number of learning materials stored inside, which acted as fuel for the fire. Fire crews from the local disaster prevention and mitigation office worked to contain the blaze and prevent further damage.

 

Authorities reported that three classrooms were severely damaged, with initial estimates of financial losses running into several million baht. Firefighters continued spraying water on the affected structure until sunrise, to prevent any flare-ups. Investigators examined the site to determine the exact cause of the fire, though early reports suggest an electrical short circuit may have been responsible.

 

District Chief Raksak Tienchai, accompanied by officials from the Department of Public Works and Town Planning, as well as Jumnong Maliang, Chairman of the Ban It Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, inspected the scene. They assessed the structural integrity of the building and evaluated safety risks, particularly since students were in the midst of their final examinations.

 

 

As a precautionary measure, authorities ordered the temporary closure of the left wing of the damaged building. Discussions are now underway with relevant agencies regarding the repair and restoration of the affected areas.

 

Deputy Headteacher Saengduen Sueawong confirmed that the school has relocated examination rooms to Buildings 8 and 9 to ensure students' safety. “We have taken immediate steps to ensure students can continue their examinations without disruption. The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority,” she said.

 

-- 2025-02-25

 

Reminds me of the Alice Cooper song.... "Schools Out"