An early Monday explosion at a factory on the outskirts of Bangkok rattled an airport terminal servicing Thailand’s capital and prompted the evacuation of residents from the area.
At least one person was killed and dozens injured officials said.
70 homes were damaged, according to disaster officials, and fires were still burning 15 hours after the explosion in Samut Prakan province.
The cause of the blast at the Taiwanese-owned factory had yet to be determined.
The nearby Suvarnabhumi international airport, Thailand’s main gateway, said its operations were not affected.
Residents in Samut Prakan who live within five kilometers (3.1 miles) of the factory were evacuated as a precaution.
The industry ministry said as much as 700 million baht ($21.79 million) of assets could be lost in the fire.
Styrene monomer, a base chemical used to make foam, is highly flammable, and polystyrene emits toxic chemicals when heated, according to the department of industrial works.
The 32-year-old factory makes expandable polystyrene foam.
Related posts:
Five Chinese tourists severely injured as Speedboat explodes in Thailand
Explosion at Thailand fireworks factory kills at least 17 persons
‘Chemical spill’ tragedy claims two lives at poultry factory
Enugu residents accuse Chemical factory of polluting community water
Evacuation of civilans from Mariupol steel plant underway in Ukraine
Prices up on thin supply in India, Thailand
U.S. Secretary of State Tillerson arrives in Thailand
Thailand plans to peak with central bank digital currency
