Bangkok Chemical Factory fire is finally contained but health concern raise

Bangkok:  A fierce chemical factory fire at the capital of Thailand, outskirts of Bangkok on early Tuesday occurred. It started with an explosion damaging nearby houses & toxic cloud prompted large scale evacuation.

Fire erupted at Ming Dih Chemical factory situated just outside Bangkok at around 3 a.m. on Monday. There was explosion followed by fire.

Including emergency responders more than 60 injured, out of which 30 are hospitalized. Eighteen year volunteer firefighter is killed in the incident.

The fire was completely put out by 3:40 a.m. Tuesday but firefighters continued to douse fire and foam at the site of incident to prevent reigniting of chemicals.

The ferocity of fire can be imaged with the remaining of twisted metal frames & remains of charred warehouse.

The cause of fire is still to be ascertained and matter of investigation.

The concern over the health of nearby residents raised. Authorities ordered complete evacuation of 3 km from the site of incident. Residents have been cautioned to refrain inhaling any fumes, if breathed it may cause severe health concerns like vomiting, dizziness and cancer in long term.

Authorities are testing air quality and water to narrow down evacuation zone and allow some residents to return. However it is feared if rain warning comes, it may lead chemicals to drain in water sources and then it will become difficult to control. Extent of contamination of soil, ground water  & air has been ordered both in long and short term.

Adding to the calamity 100 houses and 15 vehicles have also been damaged apart from casuality.

Chemical “Styrene monomer” is used in the production of disposable foam plates, cups and other products, and can produce poisonous fumes when ignited. The chemical itself also emits styrene gas, a neurotoxin, which can immobilize people within minutes of inhalation and can be fatal at high concentrations.

In a factory leak last year in Visakhapatnam leak of styrene gas from a chemical factory killed 12 people and caused sickness to more than 1,000.