Blasts, fire at Saraburi fireworks factory spark evacuation

The Nation

SARABURI: -- Explosions erupted late yesterday evening at a fireworks factory in Saraburi's Kaeng Khoi district, causing no casualties but prompting an evacuation of residents within a five-kilometre radius.

More than 20 fire-engines rushed to the scene to contain fires in several structures in the Pacific Pyro Co Ltd compound. At the time of going to press, the fires had been brought under control, but one of the buildings - a warehouse - later collapsed, spreading the pungent odour of sulphur in the compound.

Police said the blasts, which occurred at 7.20pm, were likely the result of an accident. The explosions resulted in fires at two warehouses and two additional buildings in the 50-rai compound.

The company imports gunpowder from China and assembles fireworks. Owner Songchai Iamphoonsab could not be reached for comment by media or police as of press time last night.

Provincial police chief Pol Maj-General Chalit Preechaharn said the fire started in a front building housing the firm's headquarters.

Governor Thaworn Phrommeechai said later that the fires had been brought under control and that the owner had arrived at the scene. He said the firm was ranked Thailand's seventh safest in terms of fire safety. It employs 65 workers, none of whom were inside the buildings affected by the fires, he said.

-- The Nation 2012-03-28

Gosh I drive through Saraburi all the time and never had any idea they made fireworks there.

Accident? <deleted>, they were testing the merchandise.

Perhaps the factory's Fire-Safety-Officer will get a rocket, for this mishap ?

Perhaps the factory's Fire-Safety-Officer will get a rocket, for this mishap ?

Sorry I am confused, Safety Officer ???????

Fireworks Factory Fire Blamed on Hot Weather

SARABURI: -- Saraburi's Kaengkhoi District chief says the fire at a fireworks factory in his area might have been caused by hot weather.

The blaze took place last night in the factory's four warehouses stocking fireworks. The fire raged fiercely, with blasts of fireworks being heard periodically.

Neighborhood residents were evacuated out of the area before firefighters spent two hours putting the blaze under control.

One of the firemen sustained injuries due to the collapse of a warehouse's roof.

The fireworks factory is operated by Pacific Pyro company, with its owner identified as Songchai Iempoonsap.

Kaengkhoi District chief Charus Bussana said the evacuated people have already been allowed to return to their homes this morning.

He said related agencies have sent their officials to examine possible contamination of hazardous substances around the factory and determine the cause of the explosions.

The district chief stated the blasts did not harm any people or its workers as they took place after work while preliminary investigation suggested the fire cost around 100 million baht in damage.

He said the explosions were assumed to have resulted from hot weather.

Saraburi Governor Thavorn Prommeechai said the incident should be treated as a criminal case and the investigation must be carried out thoroughly before further legal action is taken.

-- Tan Network 2012-03-29

I wonder what the real cause of the fire was, some possibilities, 1. Someone smoking in the area and carelessly throwing the still lit butt away which then bounced in the wrong direction, 2. An electric short, 3. Spontaneous combustion or 4. A deliberate act of arson.

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Ahh! I stand corrected then, Thanks for clearing that up.

100mn. Hmmm, that must be a very expensive "lean-to" warehouse.

Perhaps the factory's Fire-Safety-Officer will get a rocket, for this mishap ?

Sorry I am confused, Safety Officer ???????

That would be the guy usually lounging around smoking behind the explosives warehouse.

...caused by hot weather, which was totally unexpected?

I wasn't aware fireworks were produced in Thailand.

Instead of showing rotting teeth on a pack of cigarettes perhaps depict fireworks factory exploding.

Safety first.

Perhaps the factory's Fire-Safety-Officer will get a rocket, for this mishap ?

Sorry I am confused, Safety Officer ???????

That would be the guy usually lounging around smoking behind the explosives warehouse.

and last seen, disappearing in a cloud of dust (or smoke ?), over the horizon, in the best local traditional manner.

Hammock and running shoes - standard items in a safety officers kit here.