According to authorities, at least 20 people were injured on Monday during an explosion and subsequent fire at a chemical factory near Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The strong explosion occurred around 3 a.m. in the plastic foam producing factory in the Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan, causing a massive fire, according to a local media report cited by Xinhua.
The explosion is thought to have been caused by 20 tonnes of chemical substances stored in the plant.
The blast injured at least 20 factory workers as well as residents, and it severely damaged ten factories and a residential area nearby.
All residents and businesses within a 5-kilometer radius of the plant have been ordered to evacuate.
The fire has been mostly extinguished, but officials have yet to determine the cause of the explosion and the extent of the damage.
VIDEOS
THAILAND – Massive explosion at chemical factory in Sumut Prakan shakes Bangkok airport. Video shows black rising smoke at Suvarnabhumi airport. Nearby area evacuated in fear of toxic fumes.pic.twitter.com/cV4KQtQVwd
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) July 5, 2021
#5Jul Al menos una persona murió y otras 26 resultaron heridas este lunes debido a la explosión en la madrugada de una fábrica de productos químicos en Bangkok, que obligó a las autoridades a resguardar el lugar. 📹 Cortesía #TVVNoticias #TVV pic.twitter.com/9FZD3r61O3
— TVV Noticias (@TVVnoticias) July 5, 2021
The wind has changed direction, bringing the smoke to some part of Bangkok. Local media report that 50% of the fire has been contained. I’m about 30km away from the explosion but the strong smell can get to you and burn your throat after a while. #โรงงานกิ่งเเก้วไฟไหม้ pic.twitter.com/6lkJEPGDLe
— Aey Sahattaya (@AeySahat) July 5, 2021
Firefighters still try to control a fire at Ming Dih Chemical factory in Samut Prakan after the explosion started around 3am. #BangkokPost #Thailand
Earlier report | https://t.co/diDkaDGqJS pic.twitter.com/qQ7DgwY5UC
— Bangkok Post (@BangkokPostNews) July 5, 2021
🚨 #Tailandia 🇹🇭 | Fuerte explosión 💥
En desarrollo…
Una fuerte explosión tuvo lugar cerca de las 2:50 (hora local) de este lunes en la fábrica química Ming Dih Chemical Co, cerca de la capital tailandesa, Bangkok.
Desalojan un radio de 5 Km, según los primeros reportes. pic.twitter.com/55metxxQyU— Jorge Rausch McKenna (@JorRausch) July 5, 2021