Chlorine Tank Explodes at Phuket Water Authority

A chlorine storage tank at Phuket City Municipality's water utility exploded with a loud bang at 11:30 a.m. on July 28, 2025, at the facility on Damrong Road in the central district, startling residents in the surrounding area. Upon notification, water authority officials coordinated with four municipal fire trucks from Phuket City and two additional units from Ratsada Tambon, along with Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention Office staff and chemical response teams, to investigate the incident.

Traffic police from Phuket City Station, municipal officials, and Phuket Foundation staff cordoned off the area and Damrong Road temporarily to control the situation and prevent danger from chlorine gas leakage—a hazardous chemical that can damage the respiratory system if inhaled in large quantities. Investigators are examining the cause of the explosion and assessing resulting damage. Officials expect updates as the investigation progresses.

Phuket City Mayor Suphachoke La-ong Phet stated that staff are managing the damaged tank and, once the area is cleared, will urgently investigate what caused the blast. No injuries were reported among residents or water authority personnel. The mayor indicated the area should be cleared within half an hour and operations resumed normally, as only one tank exploded among several at the facility, making the isolated incident unusual and warranting investigation.

Eyewitnesses near the explosion reported hearing an extremely loud bang that echoed across the area. After the blast, they observed gas emission from the tank but initially detected no smell. Only after authorities arrived and a second explosion occurred did a noticeable odor become apparent, causing significant alarm among nearby residents.