Food Waste Tank Explosion Injures Worker at Bangkok Market

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

A large food waste storage tank exploded behind a fresh market in Bangkok’s Thung Khru district on 24 December 2025, leaving one worker critically injured. The blast occurred while the man was cutting the tank to dismantle it for scrap, causing severe injuries that required urgent hospital treatment. Emergency services secured the scene and transported the victim to hospital as police began an investigation.

Police from Rat Burana station said the incident happened at the rear of New Thung Khru Market, Soi Pracha Uthit 61, Bang Mot subdistrict. Officers attended with firefighters, Thung Khru rescue teams, Erawan emergency medical staff and volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation. The explosion damaged a storage room and a shed used to house refuse containers.

The injured man was identified as Somtrong Jaipleum, aged 52. He was found lying on the floor with a severe head wound and a fractured right thigh, wearing a red long-sleeved T-shirt, blue jeans and black ankle boots. Paramedics provided first aid at the scene before rushing him to IMH Thonburi Hospital in a critical condition.

Investigators found two large refuse tanks previously used to separate food waste. One tank had split into two pieces from the force of the blast, while the second sustained minor damage. Structural damage to the roof and surrounding storage area indicated a powerful internal explosion.

A market worker, identified as Ms Tai, told police that the tanks were old and had not been used for a long time. The market had sold them as scrap metal, and the injured man was employed by a contractor buying scrap. She said he stood on top of the tank while cutting it into pieces, despite warnings that it was difficult to cut and potentially unsafe.

Police believe the tanks had stored food waste for an extended period, leading to the build-up of gas from decomposition. Although the tanks were no longer in use, sparks from the cutting process likely ignited the trapped gas, triggering the explosion. This initial assessment will be reviewed as the investigation continues.

Khoasod reported that officers said they would wait until the injured man’s condition improves before taking a full statement. Further inquiries will determine the precise circumstances and whether any legal action is required. Safety procedures around the disposal and dismantling of former waste containers are also expected to be reviewed.

Key Takeaways

• A food waste tank exploded behind New Thung Khru Market on 24 December 2025, seriously injuring a 52-year-old worker.

• Police suspect accumulated gas from long-stored food waste ignited when sparks were produced during cutting.

• Authorities will continue investigating once the injured man can provide a statement.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-12-25