Fire hits scrap shop near Bangkok, blast injures firefighter

2026-01-28 - 10:51

BANG PHLI — 28 January 2026, A fire broke out at a scrap-buying shop in Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan province on Tuesday, triggering a gas explosion during firefighting operations that injured one firefighter. Police at Bang Phli station were alerted at 12:50 to the blaze at the shop in Ying Charoen alley, Bang Phli Yai subdistrict. More than 10 fire engines from the Bang Phli Yai subdistrict administration and nearby municipalities were dispatched to the scene. Firefighters found intense flames and thick smoke billowing from piles of scrap inside the premises. Crews sprayed water to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading. During the operation, a gas explosion occurred, sending a large piece of wood flying into a firefighter’s chest, seriously injuring him. Rescue workers provided first aid at the scene before taking the injured firefighter to a nearby hospital. After more than an hour of continuous firefighting, crews brought the blaze under control. They remained on site to douse embers to prevent a flare-up. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and assessing the extent of the damage. The shop owner said he was unloading goods from two trucks with six workers when flames suddenly erupted near a fence. Although the shop was equipped with firefighting gear, the fire spread too quickly to control. The burning materials included air-conditioning panels and plastic items that had just been delivered, he said.