Major Fire Engulfs Bangkok's Khlong Thom Center, At Least 11 Injured
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A major fire swept through Khlong Thom Center, one of Bangkok's well-known shopping complexes, on Friday evening, engulfing nearly the entire three-story building housing approximately 500 shops. The fire, which started at around 8:42 PM local time, spread rapidly through the ground floor where most shops were located, eventually reaching the parking garage level below. Firefighters contained the blaze after more than 2.5 hours, but the fire reignited around midnight before being brought under control again. At least 11 people were injured, with one volunteer firefighter in serious condition due to smoke inhalation. No deaths were reported.
Key Points
- Khlong Thom Center is a 3-story commercial building constructed approximately 30 years ago, housing about 500 shops selling electronics, car audio equipment, toys, and home appliances .
- The fire began at 8:42 PM local time (9:42 PM Hong Kong time), with flames and thick smoke primarily emerging from shops on the ground floor before spreading to the parking garage level .
- Bangkok Mayor Chadchart Sittipunt visited the scene and warned that the building faced collapse risk due to extreme heat, with the roof and structural elements beginning to fall .
- Heavy smoke drifted to distant areas of Bangkok, prompting the city government to advise residents in affected zones to close windows and seek medical attention if experiencing respiratory difficulties .
- Investigators believe large quantities of flammable materials stored throughout the building contributed to the rapid spread of the fire across all floors .
Why It Matters
This incident highlights the fire safety risks associated with aging commercial complexes that house numerous small businesses under one roof. The event serves as a reminder for Hong Kong authorities to regularly inspect similar structures, particularly older shopping arcades, to prevent catastrophic losses of life and property.
This incident highlights the fire safety risks associated with aging commercial complexes that house numerous small businesses under one roof. The event serves as a reminder for Hong Kong authorities to regularly inspect similar structures, particularly older shopping arcades, to prevent catastrophic losses of life and property.