Ratchaburi, Thailand – In a devastating turn of events, a banquet dome building located in Huai Phai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Ratchaburi Province, suffered a catastrophic collapse yesterday morning. The incident, which occurred at approximately 10:00 a.m., resulted in multiple injuries and raised concerns about the safety measures in place at the hotel.
Lt. Col. Phiphat Panghom, an esteemed officer stationed at Muang Ratchaburi Police Station, received an urgent report detailing the collapsed building and the significant number of casualties. Swiftly taking charge, Lt. Col. Panghom coordinated efforts to request the assistance of a fire truck from the Huai Phai Subdistrict Administrative Organization. The objective was to deploy fire extinguishers to contain any potential fires that may have broken out amidst the wreckage. Additionally, he promptly notified Maj. Gen. Wachiraphong Amaraphithak, Chief of Police in Ratchaburi Province, Pol. Col. Paiboon Praesinual, Superintendent of Muang Ratchaburi Police Station, and Mr. Sutee Laosubinprasert, Sheriff of Mueang Ratchaburi, to ensure appropriate actions were taken.
Upon arriving at the scene, authorities discovered the demolished banquet dome building, with debris scattered in every direction. Adjacent to the collapsed structure, a shattered glass chamber further emphasized the magnitude of the incident. Among the victims were four individuals: one male, later identified as Mr. Praphat Chaisuwan, 42 years old, and three females named Ms. Somboon Phuam, 50, Ms. Thongla Rattanawong, 50, and Mrs. Amporn Khammottao, 51. All four victims were banquet building workers, and their bodies exhibited burns caused by the explosion. The dedicated staff from Prachanukul Foundation promptly administered crucial first aid before the injured individuals were transported to Ratchaburi Hospital for further medical treatment.
Eyewitnesses, including Mrs. Jeeraya Ployphan, a 35-year-old villager, shared harrowing accounts of the incident. According to Mrs. Ployphan, a deafening explosion echoed through the area, followed by a scene of chaos as injured individuals, bleeding profusely, emerged from the wreckage. These firsthand testimonies only reinforced the severity of the situation.
Mr. Amnuay Phralak, Chairman of the Huai Phai Subdistrict Administrative Organization, arrived at the scene to oversee the firefighting efforts and offer assistance. He revealed that preliminary investigations suggested a 45-kilogram gas tank was likely the root cause of the explosion. The force of the blast not only brought the banquet dome building to its knees but also caused damage to a nearby glass room. As a precautionary measure, authorities designated the entire area as hazardous, requiring the police and forensic teams to conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain the true cause of the incident.
As the investigation progresses, Mr. Sutee Lao Subin Prasert, Sheriff of Mueang Ratchaburi, emphasized that negligence on the part of the workers may have led to the explosion. Allegedly, they inadvertently left the gas supply on, which ultimately resulted in the tragedy. In light of the incident’s devastating consequences, Mr. Lao Subin Prasert ordered the immediate closure of the area, emphasizing the need for comprehensive investigations to determine the exact sequence of events and prevent further accidents.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, questions surrounding safety protocols and the responsible handling of hazardous materials arise. With authorities now focusing their attention on uncovering the truth, it is hoped that lessons will be learned and measures put in place to prevent such calamities in the future.
