Bangkok: A fire destroyed five houses in a wooden community near the Khlong Toei Recreation Center. Residents reported that the fire originated in a house where an argument had taken place in the morning, and it burned down in the afternoon. Police have questioned the male party involved, but the female party has not yet been found.
According to Thai News Agency, firefighters from Khlong Toei Fire and Rescue Station, along with support personnel and fire trucks, mobilized to extinguish the fire and brought the situation under control at 1:10 PM, taking approximately 17 minutes. Initially, it was reported that about 4-5 houses were damaged, affecting 54 people, and 4 were injured. One person was taken to a nearby hospital, while the other three received first aid at the scene.
A security guard at the Khlong Toei Recreation Center, located near the scene, reported hearing a couple residing in the area arguing in the early morning. Around noon, flames erupted from the house, and strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly to the adjacent wooden house.
Villagers also provided information that a married couple who collected scrap and garbage lived on the first floor of the house where the fire originated. They frequently argued and had previously threatened to set the house on fire. Furthermore, villagers stated that the man, nicknamed "Miew," might be involved with drugs. Following the incident, villagers attempted to locate the couple, fearing they might possess information related to the fire.
Investigators from Tha Ruea Police Station have apprehended the male suspect and are currently questioning him to gather information and verify the facts of the incident. The female suspect, who lived with him, has not yet been located and is being sought for questioning to obtain more information and determine the true cause of the fire.
Ms. Uraiporn Promkampu, 56, a victim of the fire, recounted that at the time of the incident, she was working as a housekeeper near the swimming pool when she heard an explosion. She rushed back and found the fire raging fiercely. She was unable to retrieve any of her belongings and had to leave the area with only the clothes she was wearing.
Initially, the Khlong Toei District Office established an Incident Command Center at the sports field within the Khlong Toei Recreation Center to register those who suffered damage and were affected. The center will also coordinate with relevant agencies to provide assistance with accommodation, food, and essential supplies to the victims.