Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

A fire broke out at the Bangchak gas oil depot in Ban Laem, Laem Chabang, Chonburi province, shortly after midday on 26 July, prompting a swift response from emergency services and causing panic among nearby residents.

 

Flames and thick black smoke billowed into the sky, visible from several kilometres away, sparking fears of a potential explosion. Witnesses described the smoke column as towering as high as a twenty-storey building.

 

Local authorities, including fire crews from Laem Chabang City Municipality, Chao Phraya Surasak Municipality and Si Racha Town Municipality, were joined by over 20 fire engines from surrounding areas in an intense effort to bring the fire under control. Volunteers from the Eastern Firefighter Association also participated.

 

Officials confirmed that the blaze had been successfully contained. No injuries or fatalities were reported at the scene. Emergency crews and staff, are now in the process of assessing the full extent of the damage.

 

According to initial eyewitness accounts from workers at the depot, the fire was preceded by a loud explosion. One worker stated, “We heard a loud bang from the oil depot, and when we turned around, we saw flames. We tried to use chemical extinguishers but the fire spread too fast. Then there were more explosions, and we had to run for our lives.”

 

Police and forensic investigators are working to determine the exact cause of the incident, with a detailed examination to follow. The precise financial cost of the damage is not yet known.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-27

 

 

 

 

 

Lol. Every couple of years!

 

It keeps the rents down in that area.