Inferno in Rice Field Destroys Five Vehicles at Rocket Festival Preparations

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture and video from responders.

 

A ferocious fire broke out in a rice field in Yasothon province on the afternoon of 15 April, completely engulfing and destroying five vehicles belonging to a group of local rocket enthusiasts.

 

According to reports from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), the fire initially ignited dry straw scattered across a rice field. With soaring temperatures and dry conditions, the flames spread rapidly to nearby vehicles parked in a row at the edge of the field. Within minutes, the fire had consumed all five vehicles.

 

 

Witnesses at the scene said there was little anyone could do as the flames quickly overtook the parked vehicles, which included both pick-up trucks and cars. The owners, who were preparing for an upcoming local bun bang fai (rocket festival), were left devastated as not only their vehicles but also valuable equipment and personal belongings stored inside were completely destroyed.

 

One of the vehicle owners expressed shock and heartbreak over the incident. “I’ve never experienced anything like this in my life,” he told reporters. “Everything’s gone. There’s nothing left. Even the car was freshly registered. Now it’s all ashes.”

 

Local authorities are currently carrying out a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. While initial suspicions point to a possibly discarded cigarette igniting the dry straw, officials have not ruled out foul play.

 

Video of the aftermath.

 

The loss has struck a particularly heavy blow to the affected individuals, many of whom were heavily involved in the cultural and competitive aspects of the traditional rocket festivals. These events, often held in May, involve the launching of large homemade rockets into the sky to encourage rainfall and celebrate local heritage.

 

No injuries were reported in the incident. However, with damage estimated in millions of baht and the loss of irreplaceable custom-built equipment, the fire has left a dark cloud over this year’s preparations.

 

-- 2025-04-16