Fire Ravages Water Pump Factory; Firefighters Overcome by Fumes
A fire at a water pump factory in Nonthabuki left one firefighter hospitalized with respiratory injuries after crews were overcome by fumes from unknown chemicals stored inside. Dozens of firefighters took 90 minutes to control the two-stor
On July 31, Deputy Investigator Vorawut Pudchim of Bang Sri Muang Police Station in Nonthaburi received a report of a fire at a water pump, spare parts, and gardening equipment distribution company near Chao Phraya Market on Bangkruay–Thai Noi Road in Bang Krang, Muang District, Nonthaburi. He coordinated with dozens of fire trucks from Bang Krang, Bang Sri Muang, Bang Len, and Nonthaburi municipal authorities and neighboring municipalities to fight the blaze.
The building was a two-story concrete warehouse approximately 12 meters wide and 30–40 meters long, engulfed in intense flames. Firefighters sprayed water continuously, but several became incapacitated because the contents of the warehouse—particularly unknown chemicals—had not been disclosed. They withdrew, and hazmat crews equipped with breathing apparatus and oxygen tanks re-entered the building. During suppression efforts, the structure emitted loud cracking sounds, prompting an evacuation order for safety. After approximately 90 minutes of water application, firefighters gained control of the fire.
Thawatchai, a 37-year-old firefighter from Bang Phai Municipality, suffered chest tightness, breathing difficulty, and hemoptysis (coughing up blood) and was transported to Bamrasnaradura Hospital. Preliminary investigation identified the facility as a radiator manufacturing plant with stored paper, though the exact cause of ignition remains unknown pending forensic examination. The factory owner reported the fire-affected building is a workshop storing goods and cardboard boxes with no occupants at the time. Damage assessment is incomplete, though structural damage appears extensive while inventoried stock was minimal. The company maintains fire insurance. Investigators will coordinate with forensic officers to examine the burned structure further once the heat subsides, and the area has been cordoned off as a danger zone pending cause determination.
