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

 

 

 

[hotchilli]

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

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.

Alls well that ends well.

[Zack61]

Darwin awards all round. I wonder if anything will be learnt from this. Maybe next year a discussion about probability and consequences will precede any rocket launches in a hot dry rice field. 

[fonzo]

36 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Alls well that ends well.

 

29 minutes ago, Zack61 said:

Darwin awards all round. I wonder if anything will be learnt from this. Maybe next year a discussion about probability and consequences will precede any rocket launches in a hot dry rice field. 

 

[roo860]

😅😅😅 made my day, thank you Baby Jesus

[animatic]

TV just said it was a power bank left in a baking hot car set off the entire debacle.

Not an errant rocket.

[Grumpy one]

Valuable equipment ?

Bamboo poles, gun powder and a lighter  

[PETERTHEEATER]

Rice field

 

Dry stubble post harvest

 

What could have caused the fire I ask myself. 😋

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE

 

Police Dismiss Bung Fai Rocket Theory in Yaso Car Blaze Incident

 

Picture from responders.

 

The chief of Yasothon City Police has dismissed speculation that a traditional Bung Fai rocket was responsible for a fire that destroyed five pickup trucks during a local festival, stating the blaze was more likely caused by an electrical fault or lighter left in one of the cars.

 

Pol Col Prasit Phetcharat, superintendent of Mueang Yasothon Police Station, addressed the incident following widespread reports in mainstream and social media claiming the fire had been triggered by an exploding or falling rocket during the Bung Fai festival. The incident took place in a rice field near Ban Khum Ngeun, where villagers had gathered to prepare for the annual event.

 

According to initial findings, the fire likely started from an electrical device or lighter,  within one of the vehicles, which had been parked under the intense midday sun. The blaze then spread rapidly to nearby vehicles.

 

“We believe the fire originated in either the first or second vehicle and not from a rocket mishap,” Pol Col Prasit said. “The official cause will be confirmed once the Forensic Science Division completes a detailed investigation.”

 

All five vehicles were destroyed and were registered in Nakhon Ratchasima, Yasothon, Bangkok, Sisaket, and another in Yasothon.

-- 2025-04-16