Fire Fire Forces Evacuation from Bangkok Building Due to Underground Blaze

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Photo: Thai PBS World

 

This morning, tenants were urgently evacuated from an eight-story building on Surasak Road in Bangkok’s Bangrak district after a fire erupted in its underground parking lot. The thick smoke emanating from the blaze was visible from the exterior, prompting immediate evacuation proceedings.

 

According to the building's website, the lower floors are designated for office use, while the upper stories serve as residential spaces. The initial investigation suggests that the fire might have been sparked by electric vehicles parked in the underground area.

 

 

 

At the time of reporting, firefighters and rescue workers were striving to contain the fire, while evacuees gathered nearby. The full extent of the damage, including the number of vehicles affected, remains unclear as emergency services work diligently to extinguish the flames completely before they can safely access and assess the lower floors.

 

The situation is still developing, and authorities are expected to conduct a detailed investigation once the site is declared safe. The event highlights the potential risks associated with underground parking in mixed-use buildings, especially concerning electric vehicle safety.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS World 2025-05-01

 

 

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Seven E-Bikes Destroyed in Bangkok Office Building Blaze

 

Pictures from responders.

A fire sparked by an electric motorbike battery erupted in the basement of an eight-storey commercial building on Surasak Road in Bangkok’s Bang Rak district this morning, sending thick black smoke billowing through the structure and prompting an urgent evacuation of trapped occupants.

 

The incident was first reported at 08:40 to emergency services via the 199 hotline. Firefighters from Bang Rak Fire and  Rescue Station arrived within minutes and encountered dense smoke emanating from the building, located directly opposite Yannawa Police Station.

 

Initial investigations revealed that the blaze originated on basement level B2, used as a parking area for electric motorbikes. Witnesses described seeing flames erupt from the battery of one vehicle, quickly engulfing nearby bikes.

 

Mr Thanapol, a 50-year-old delivery rider, recounted the dramatic moment. “I had just arrived to collect my motorbike when I saw flames coming from a nearby e-bike. I immediately ran to call for help. Within a minute, there were explosions, and the fire spread rapidly.”

 

Firefighters worked under difficult conditions to contain the blaze, battling poor visibility and hazardous fumes. At 08:50 reports confirmed that several people were still on the 7th and 8th floors. By 09:09, building management had successfully evacuated those individuals, and by 09:19, a floor-by-floor search confirmed no one remained inside.

 

The fire was brought under control by 09:38, requiring the use of foam and water to fully extinguish the source.

 

By 11:10, authorities declared the fire scene safe. Preliminary damage assessments indicate seven electric motorbikes were completely destroyed, nine partially damaged, and eight petrol-powered bikes also sustained damage. The fire also affected a 12-square-metre storage room in the basement.

Firefighters deployed thermal imaging camera to locate the seat of the fire in the smoke logged basement.

Fire officials suspect an electrical short circuit in one of the e-bike batteries was the likely cause. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.

 

 

An investigation into the fire is ongoing.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-01.