The fire in the industrial park in Eastern Thailand resulted in one fatality and four injuries. The incident occurred at a chemical storage tank belonging to the Mab Ta Phut Tank Terminal company, which operates a port and storage terminal for petrochemical products. The tank contained Pyrolysis gasoline, a common chemical used in gasoline blending. Videos and photos from the scene showed a large plume of black smoke and intense flames engulfing the white tank. About 400 workers and residents were evacuated to a temporary shelter as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
The fire was eventually contained after more than six hours, but officials estimated that it could take over 10 hours to fully extinguish the flames. The Rayong province’s public relations department stated that measures were being taken to prevent such incidents in the future. The Mab Ta Phut Tank Terminal company announced that it is investigating the cause of the fire and expressed its condolences to those affected. The company also stated its readiness to provide compensation to those impacted by the incident.
This is not the first time the Mab Ta Phut Tank Terminal company has faced such a situation. In 2021, the company was ordered to temporarily cease operations after another one of its storage tanks erupted and caught fire, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and serious injuries to two others. The recurrence of such incidents raises concerns about the safety protocols and practices in place at the industrial park and the company’s operations. Authorities will likely conduct thorough investigations to determine the causes and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The impact of the fire extended beyond the immediate casualties, as the evacuation of hundreds of workers and residents disrupted daily activities and raised safety concerns in the region. The industrial park plays a significant role in the local economy, and any disruptions to its operations can have far-reaching consequences. The incident also raised questions about the regulatory oversight of industrial facilities and the enforcement of safety standards to protect workers, residents, and the environment. It underscores the importance of ensuring robust safety measures and emergency response protocols in industrial zones to prevent such disasters from occurring.
As the cleanup and investigation efforts continue, the affected community and the company will have to work together to address the aftermath of the fire. Providing support to those impacted by the incident, ensuring adequate compensation, and implementing stricter safety measures will be critical in rebuilding trust and preventing similar incidents in the future. Authorities at the local and national levels will need to collaborate to enhance safety regulations and oversight to prevent such tragedies and protect the well-being of workers, residents, and the environment. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with industrial operations and the importance of prioritizing safety and disaster preparedness in such settings.
