Phuket water plant blast prompts chlorine gas precautions

A tank explosion at Phuket City's municipal waterworks sent a loud blast across the area on Damrong Road at 11.30am on 28 July, prompting a temporary road closure and a major emergency response.

Initial reports described the tank as containing chlorine, with authorities securing the site over concerns about a possible gas leak. Phuket City Mayor Supachok La-ongphet, however, referred to the damaged unit as an alkaline chemical storage tank.

No injuries were reported, including among waterworks staff, according to the mayor.

Emergency teams secure the site

The blast occurred inside the Phuket City Municipality Waterworks compound on Damrong Road in Talat Yai, Muang district. People nearby were alarmed by the force of the explosion, which was heard widely in the surrounding area.

Waterworks officials called in four Phuket City Municipality fire engines and two more from Ratsada Municipality. Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office personnel, chemical-response teams and other agencies also attended.

Traffic police from Phuket City Police Station, municipal enforcement officers and Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation staff cordoned off the compound and temporarily closed the section of Damrong Road passing the municipal waterworks.

The measures were intended to control the incident and guard against chlorine gas escaping. Authorities noted that chlorine can affect the respiratory system and may be dangerous when inhaled in large quantities.

Cause remains under investigation

Mayor Supachok said officers worked to bring the situation under control before investigating why the tank had exploded. He said there were several tanks at the site, but only one had burst, which he described as unusual.

A witness living close to the site said the first explosion was exceptionally loud and that they initially did not realise it involved a chlorine storage tank. They went outside and saw gas escaping, but said there was no smell at that point.

The witness said a further explosion followed after officials arrived, and a smell was then noticed, causing considerable alarm.

Authorities were still examining the cause, the extent of damage and any resulting effects. Further information is expected once the relevant agencies have completed their assessment.

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

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29 July 2026

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