An explosion occurred near the Thai metropolis of Bangkok. The affected chemical plant is located near the international airport.
Bangkok – There was a huge explosion in a chemical plant in Thailand. At least 21 people were injured in the accident, but the number could rise, reported the Bangkok Post newspaper on Monday. The factory in Samut Prakan on the southeastern outskirts of Bangkok made plastic foam.
Serious damage is said to have occurred in the surrounding residential areas when the production facility exploded during the night for an as yet unknown cause. A major fire then broke out, which the fire brigade was only able to bring under control in the early morning.
However, thick black smoke continued to rise and was visible even in the metropolitan area of Bangkok. The authorities ordered residents within a five-kilometer radius to be brought to safety immediately, as further explosions were feared.
Dozens of fire trucks and helicopters were used to contain the flames. The shock of the explosion could still be felt nine kilometers away, it said.
It said about 50 tons of chemicals were stored in five or six warehouses on the premises of the Taiwan-based Ming Dih Chemical Company factory. The facility in Bang Phli District is close to the major Suvarnabhumi International Airport. dpa
