Patong Electricity Chief Denies Transformer Started Tiger Inferno

[webfact]

Patong electricity chief denies transformer started Tiger inferno

Phuket Gazette

The transformer above Soi Bangla is still working, and could not have started the Tiger Discotheque inferno that killed four people, says Patong electricity chief. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

Patong Electricity Chief Atipong Thongyon points to the transformer on Soi Bangla. He says it did not start the inferno, but suggests a short circuit did. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

PHUKET: -- The chief of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) Patong office today refuted allegations that the Tiger Discotheque fire yesterday morning was caused by an exploding transformer.

The popular nightclub was reportedly packed with tourists when the fire broke out. Four people died in the blaze.

Atipong Thongyon this morning told the press, “We have checked the transformer and it is operating normally. Another transformer, belonging to Tiger Discotheque, is also working normally.”

He explained that the PEA transformer for the section of Soi Bangla where Tiger Discotheque is located is about 50 meters from and on the same side of the road as the popular nightclub.

The transformer is rated at 250kVA (250,000 volt amps), which is suitable for housing and small businesses, said Mr Atipong.

The transformer that powered the Tiger Discotheque is located on a roof above a bar at the end of a small street that joins Soi Bangla.

“Tiger’s transformer is rated 400kVA, which is suitable for a big entertainment venue,” Mr Atipong explained.

“Both of the transformers are fine,” he confirmed.

Mr Atipong said that the electricity went off at 3:52am, before reports of the fire circulated.

“So if the fire was not caused by transformers blowing up, it is possible it was caused by an electrical short. However, as we are not allowed to examine inside the discotheque yet, I’m not sure whether it was an electrical short or not,” he said.

Mr Atipong said that the power supply to the nightclub’s transformer has been cut as a safety precaution.

“Which means the bars next to Tiger Discotheque have to remain closed as they have no electricity. After everything has been checked and confirmed to be safe, the power supply will be restored to the businesses,” he assured.

Source: http://www.phuketgaz...ticle16699.html

-- Phuket Gazette 2012-08-18

[Jimi007]

If he's correct and he sounds to me like he actually knows what he is talking about, then there was a short curcuit inside the club which caught the foam used throughout the club, on fire. It makes much more sense than any other the other stories I've read...

[Jdietz]

Also a new lighting system just installed - and for some reason quickly removed after the fire - 'may' just have something to do with it.

[steelepulse]

Right. Of course the lighting rig is the culprit or it wouldn't have been removed ASAP. Good try on a coverup though.

[Shot]

"The transformer above Soi Bangla is still working, and could not have started the Tiger Discotheque inferno that killed four people, says Patong electricity chief. "

[Jimi007]

Also a new lighting system just installed - and for some reason quickly removed after the fire - 'may' just have something to do with it.

Exactly! I've been a union stagehand for more than 20 years and in the business for over 35 years. Lighting systems are power hogs. Although there are some new LED stage light that are much more efficient than fresnel, elliptical stage lights, sealed beam (par cans) or xenon moving lights. In the old days we still used carbon arc spotlights, until they were outlawed.

[george]

Electrical transformers not linked to fire at Tiger Discotheque: Phuket PEA

PHUKET, Aug 18 -- Phuket Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) asserted that the electrical transformers were not linked to a fire at Tiger Discotheque that killed four people and wounded 11, as the two transformers near the scene were undamaged and working properly.

Patong PEA manager Itthipong Thongyon told reporters that an inspection found that the nearest two electrical transformers, one belonging to MEA and another one belonging to the Tiger Discotheque, were 50-60 metres from the discotheque, still working and no damage found.

Witnesses said earlier that they wondered if an electrical transformer explosion may be the cause of the deadly fire.

Mr Itthipong said that there was little chance that the transformer would explode and cause a fire. In the Tiger Discotheque case, he said it was 100 percent impossible that a spark from the transformer would ignite a fire at the discotheque.

He said the transformers were quite a distance from the incident and the transformer itself had automatic systems to cut the circuit.

Mr Itthipong also led reporter to see the transformers at the Tiger Discutheque. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-08-18

[crazykopite]

Very confusing why are they still not allowed to go in and do a check of the electrics today is Saturday !!!!!!!

[jocko]

We will have to wait now for the next excuse for the fire as long as there is nobody to blame that will be fine try a thunderbolt next or spark from a nearby barbie

[terryp]

I dont understand why the experts are ignoring the fact that the exterior of Tiger and parts of the interior were painted spray foam....exactly the same as the Disco that burnt down at the end of Soi Katoy (crocodile) around 7 years ago...in fact the fat French manager of that Disco at the time is Piya's best buddy who looks for foreigners to basically part with money.

I hope they all get sent down Patong Tessabarn engineers, Tiger Management + the Thai partners as the full business stinks, first it's Tiger Pub...when it is obviously a Discotheque (requiring a Disco licence NOT an entertainment 4 licence if they even have one of those), told by management that the place was closed and people waiting for the rain to stop while one of the injured states very clearly that she was dancing to the Live band at the front of the stage when someone shouted fire!!!!!

Edited August 18, 2012 by terryp

[MyFriend You]

We will have to wait now for the next excuse for the fire as long as there is nobody to blame that will be fine try a thunderbolt next or spark from a nearby barbie

They ned more time to removbe the faulty lights and el-cheapo non-union wiring job using speaker wire instead of UL rated wiring.

[skorchio]

What surprises me most is the extent of the flames and the damage. What is there to burn in the roof and ceiling in Tiger? If the light rig went on fire, what exactly can burn in the rig? OK all the cabling, but isnt the whole frame supported by steel, the lights themselves are metal? Isn't the roof a steel grid with asbestos or similar sheeting on top? <deleted> is up there that can burn the way it did?

[Asianrider]

If he's correct and he sounds to me like he actually knows what he is talking about, then there was a short curcuit inside the club which caught the foam used throughout the club, on fire. It makes much more sense than any other the other stories I've read...

+1

[SOTIRIOS]

....but people reported an explosion...???......if so, there has to be a third explanation......

[george]

UPDATE:

'Tourists jumped from Tiger's second storey'

PHUKET: -- Shocking accounts of tourists jumping from the second floor and others trampled in the panic to escape are emerging following the fire at Patong's Tiger discoteque early on Friday morning.

Thailand's 17 assistant national police chiefs has announced formation of an investigating committee to determine whether the popular nightspot was open after mandated closing time. Four were killed in the blaze, and eleven treated in hospital, one with burns over 40 per cent of his body.

Many were reported injured but required no treatment.

At press time, no charges had been filed.

A spokesman for the Tiger Group admitted customers were inside when the fire erupted and asserted that the two fire exits could not be used because electrical shorts started fires that blocked both. He said damage from the fire amounted to hundreds of millions of baht.

Thai National Police assistant chief Pol Lt Gen Chalermkiart Sriworakan said after inspecting the site: "Presently, a committee has been appointed to investigate facts and determine whether the disco was open for business after official closing. The committee is also looking into what caused the fire, contacting witnesses and collecting evidence. Autopsies will be performed on those who died at the office of Forensic Medicine."

The latter, he said, would be carried out "as swiftly as possible."

"We have yet to file charges because the matter is still under investigation," he explained, adding that no relatives have come forward to inquire about the deceased.

"Those concerned will be contacted, whether embassy personnel or members of the general public," Chalermkiart said, but presently the identities of the dead remain a mystery. He urged those who notice a friend or relative missing to contact either the provincial or Kathu police.

Chalermkiart said experts in evidence identification from the Region 8 police headquarters in Surat Thani are in Phuket to work on the case but refused to divulge any results of the investigation so far to the press, saying only they were trying to determine how the fire started.

He said witness statements were being taken, and that those who died included both foreigners and Thais: "One of the dead is most likely a Thai serving girl," he explained, "because a friend recognized her wrist-watch and bracelet."

According to police the fire at Tiger, on Soi Bangla in Patong, occurred during a heavy rain shortly after two electric power transformers "exploded". Patong police were notified of the incident at 3.20am Friday, and rushed to the scene where they found "pandemonium": "a thousand" tourists running in all directions trying to save their lives, some jumping from the second floor, others falling as they descended the stairs from the upstairs entrance which, with the fire exits blocked by flames, was the only avenue of exit.

Kanyaporn Kantong of Sri Saket described the scene when the fire began.

"I was out with a group of friends, and we sat drinking. Everything was normal. About 30 people were in the shop, Thai and foreign tourists, when someone shouted, "Fire!" But no one believed it. Then smoke started to pour in.

"After that, a light flashed, and a light tube fell on me. I tried to flee outside, but there was a jam at the door because everyone was running to escape. At that point, my clothes had caught fire. But I was lucky -- a foreign tourist put it out in time."

Kanyaporn said she suffered no injuries from the fire, but was hurt after being pushed down the stairs.

The caller who initially notified police also told them both fire exits were blocked by flames, adding that two transformers had exploded beside Tiger discotheque in front of the two fire exits, and city fire officials and Patong hospital should be contacted for help because flames were spreading rapidly.

At the scene, police, tourist police foreign volunteers, village police volunteers and tuk tuk drivers were busy clearing the street and helping the injured -- most of whom suffered from smoke inhalation -- to hospital.

A foreign tourist whose left arm was injured when he collided with another tourist trying to escape, fell and was trampled by others. He said Tiger was already closed when the fire began, with about 500 still inside because of the heavy rain.

"Suddenly the lights went off after the sound of two high voltage power transformers exploding beside the discotheque was heard," a local reporter explained. "All of Soi Bangla went dark. Then, after about five minutes, a current of electricity came down the wire and sparked a fire inside Tiger.

"Tourists panicked and fled, trying to save themselves. Some jumped off the second floor and were injured in the fall."

Kathu district police chief Pol Col Jipatr Pohchanapant called the incident "an accident" that resulted from the transformers' explosion, which he said was probably precipitated by heavy rain. The latter caused an electrical short that "quite quickly spread to Tiger disco and caused a fire, completely destroying it and leaving four dead -- two women and two men, one of which I'm sure is a foreigner."

Of the eleven injured, he said only two were kept in hospital, both in critical condition. One was a 40- or 42-year-old Thai woman, Nhudang Prangbangkana, and the other a French tourist, 30-year-old Benjamin Tallanotte. The latter suffered burns over 40 per cent of his body.

Ten fire engines converged to douse the inferno, while flames poured forth along the entire length of the building, one of the largest on the street. The fire was reported under control around 4am.

At 6.30am, Phuket deputy governor Chaiwat Tepi and Kathu district police chief Pol Col Jipatr Pohchanapant and Forensic Police, specializing in evidence identification, from Patong station entered the burned-out premises, where they spent about an hour. Four bodies were found, "burnt beyond recognition -- such that identification of who they are is impossible."

The remains were transferred to Patong hospital to await further examination, and to see whether any distinguishing characteristics could be found.

Tiger Group chairman of the board Piya Isaramalay reportedly ordered Tamrongsak Boonyaraks, variously described as either lawyer to or managing director of Tiger Group, to make a statement accepting responsibility for what happened. He, too, told reporters that the fire had been "an accident".

"The fire erupted after the discotheque was closed but guests yet remained because it was raining heavily. The tourists were sitting there when suddenly a fire started and the power failed, causing a commotion. Each tried to escape, but only the front door could be used because the two fire exits on either side were covered in spreading flames and none could get out. That caused injuries.

"I am sorry for those who died. The Tiger Group will provide help and care for those injured or dead."

Tamrongsak also reportedly told reporters: "The fire started about 3.00am. The disco had been closed since 2.00am, but a number of male and female tourists, Thai and foreign, were still sitting inside drinking. I expect the fire was caused by an electrical short. With regard to the dead and injured, the Tiger Group will care for all of them and carry out our responsibilities as specified by law."

He said he expected damages would amount to "several hundreds of millions of baht." whether the existing structure would be repaired, he said, would depend on results of an investigation "by the relevant agencies".

"We are ready to act in accord with its findings," he said.

Phuket provincial police chief Pol Maj Gen Chonasit Watanawarakul said two matters of investigation must take precedence: "What caused the fire, which preliminary investigation indicates erupted after transformers located nearby exploded and a blackout in Patong ensued. It also must be investigated whether renovations to the building or materials used played any part, and whether or not the structure can be used again."

The other pressing matter, he said, is to identify the dead: "Officials from Bangkok are coming down and will work to find any distinguishing characteristics on the corpses as soon as possible."

Provincial Forensic Police duty officer Kittisak Nhupeung said after the blaze: "The four bodies were too badly burnt to say whether they are male or female, or from what nationality. Scientific analysis of individual characteristics must be used to distinguish them, then await those who report relatives missing."

-- Translated from Siang Tai 2012-08-18

[jcw]

Farlang Ghost Started It

Notice how quickly the know it all mafia knew how it started before any investigation and how they knew the 4 were tourist, even though the hospital couldn't even ID the sex of their bodies. The cover up story was sorted a long time ago. This PEA guy will be demoted to an inactive position now.

Edited August 18, 2012 by jcw

[rbrooks]

The first of many denials to come. In the end the poor sap with the lowest income will take the fall or maybe they will just say it is a result of bad luck. RIP to the victims.

[jaiyen]

Funny how witnesses heard 2 transformers exploding ( What does an exploding transformer sound like ???? Bet nobody knows !! ) but the Electricity Chief can show them both working. Who is telling porkies ??

[tingtongfarang]

Funny how witnesses heard 2 transformers exploding ( What does an exploding transformer sound like ???? Bet nobody knows !! ) but the Electricity Chief can show them both working. Who is telling porkies ??

I have seen them and heard them explode, There is a flash and some sparks flying and often hot oil, If one of these transformers had exploded it would,nt be in working order now,

I think this PEA guy is living dangerous as it seems he,s blown their first excuse out by claiming they are still in working order but i,m sure they have a backup plan or two,

Does anyone know why these transformers explode? have only ever seen it happen here.

[fish fingers]

What a s... hole. who honestly wants to live/ buy a place in Phuket? Everyone who lives there is up to no good and imagine living there in 15 yrs, will be basically a sprawling city with packed beaches. Rather live in Bangkok with the option to fly somewhere nice for a wknd.

[NamKangMan]

....but people reported an explosion...???......if so, there has to be a third explanation......

With so much BS and conflicting statements going around, is it possible it was a terrorist attack, and this is a big cover up to protect Phuket's tourism industry????

Just throwing that thought out there because, for me, something doesn't sound right about this whole incident, especially with reports of an "explosion" just prior to the fire.

I'm sure I will be heavily critisised for this post, but TIT, and one must consider all possibilities.

[Luxius]

Funny how witnesses heard 2 transformers exploding ( What does an exploding transformer sound like ???? Bet nobody knows !! ) but the Electricity Chief can show them both working. Who is telling porkies ??

I have seen them and heard them explode, There is a flash and some sparks flying and often hot oil, If one of these transformers had exploded it would,nt be in working order now,

I think this PEA guy is living dangerous as it seems he,s blown their first excuse out by claiming they are still in working order but i,m sure they have a backup plan or two,

Does anyone know why these transformers explode? have only ever seen it happen here.

I have also "seen" it. I heard a loud BOOOM and looked in the direction, then saw a power cable twisting and turning all over the road. This happened in Patong 3-4 years ago (when I was living there for about a year) in one of the streets near the fire station.

I don't exactly know why they explode, but I suspect it has to do with over-heating? Bad maintenance?

Anyway, Tiger disco was a death trap, that's for sure. I've been there many times, but always hated going deep inside the cave, as it was near impossible to get out again once there was a crowd.

[Luxius]

....but people reported an explosion...???......if so, there has to be a third explanation......

With so much BS and conflicting statements going around, is it possible it was a terrorist attack, and this is a big cover up to protect Phuket's tourism industry????

Just throwing that thought out there because, for me, something doesn't sound right about this whole incident, especially with reports of an "explosion" just prior to the fire.

I'm sure I will be heavily critisised for this post, but TIT, and one must consider all possibilities.

Sure. Have you considered U.S. drones?

...

...

...

[jackspratt]

With so much BS and conflicting statements going around, is it possible it was a terrorist attack, and this is a big cover up to protect Phuket's tourism industry????

Just throwing that thought out there because, for me, something doesn't sound right about this whole incident, especially with reports of an "explosion" just prior to the fire.

I'm sure I will be heavily critisised for this post, but TIT, and one must consider all possibilities.

I think pitied, rather that criticized.

[LivinginKata]

Does anyone know why these transformers explode? have only ever seen it happen here.

I have rarely witnessed a transformer 'explode'. I frequently hear a loud bang and the high voltage fuse popping out of it's holder. The electric truck comes along and pushes the fuse back into the holder without any fuss. This occurs due to overload on demand. Just like a fuse in your home fuse box.

[NamKangMan]

....but people reported an explosion...???......if so, there has to be a third explanation......

With so much BS and conflicting statements going around, is it possible it was a terrorist attack, and this is a big cover up to protect Phuket's tourism industry????

Just throwing that thought out there because, for me, something doesn't sound right about this whole incident, especially with reports of an "explosion" just prior to the fire.

I'm sure I will be heavily critisised for this post, but TIT, and one must consider all possibilities.

Sure. Have you considered U.S. drones?

...

...

...

Unlike yours, mine was a serious post.

Also, you would be very surprised at what flies into Udon Thani Airport, out of hours, and what is/who is onboard.

Edited August 18, 2012 by NamKangMan

[NamKangMan]

With so much BS and conflicting statements going around, is it possible it was a terrorist attack, and this is a big cover up to protect Phuket's tourism industry????

Just throwing that thought out there because, for me, something doesn't sound right about this whole incident, especially with reports of an "explosion" just prior to the fire.

I'm sure I will be heavily critisised for this post, but TIT, and one must consider all possibilities.

I think pitied, rather that criticized.

Well, I suppose the Bali bombings could have been a lightening strike as well, just to keep the tourist money coming in.

I suppose you will also tell me Lee Havey Oswald shot JFK with a bullet that could turn corners and Iraq had WMD.

Ahhhh, ignorance is bliss.

Edited August 18, 2012 by NamKangMan

[jackspratt]

Ahhhh, ignorance is bliss.

So, it would seem, is mindless speculation.

[Guest]

Does anyone know why these transformers explode? have only ever seen it happen here.

I have rarely witnessed a transformer 'explode'. I frequently hear a loud bang and the high voltage fuse popping out of it's holder. The electric truck comes along and pushes the fuse back into the holder without any fuss. This occurs due to overload on demand. Just like a fuse in your home fuse box.

So the event could have been following:

Inside of Tiger there was an electric shortcut, which heated up the wires and caused the indoor decoration to ignite.

After an while the high power (22kV) fuse popped and caused all electricity to shut down. For the people, who were inside of all the music and noise, the last thing they heard was the fuse popping sound.. and then it was quiet for an while, before the fire get more ground and people panicked.

Party people associated the sudden quietness, bang and lights going out naturally with the electricity.

Plausible theory?

Surely there should have been low power fuses inside of the nightclub. These did not close the electricity?

[NamKangMan]

Ahhhh, ignorance is bliss.

So, it would seem, is mindless speculation.

Yeh, so is "the lightening bolt theory."

Maybe you have an idea where the truth lays, because, at the moment, the whole world would like an answer.