Three hurt after fire breaks out in Khlong Toei slum
Three persons were injured and at least five houses damaged while some residents lost their possessions in a fire yesterday evening (July 21) at Khlong Toei 1 community on Art Narong Road in Bangkok.
Fire trucks from the Bangkok Fire & Rescue Department had to spend around 30 minutes to bring the raging flames under control.
A preliminary police inspection speculated that the source of the blaze could have been from a house, where residents made a small fire to melt copper wire for sale. The crowded slum also helped the fire to spread. Police are gathering evidence to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Residents in the community reportedly told officials that there have been three incidents of fire from the house in question in the past, but the owner and neighbours managed to put out the flames in the nick of time.
Two residents were injured after falling from a two-storey house in a bid to escape the flames and a rescue officer was cut by windows glass. The injured were rushed to Theptharin Hospital and are now stable. There were no reports of any deaths.
Social Development and Human Security Minister Juti Krairiksh visited the scene at 8.30pm with his staff to provide assistance to residents affected by the fire.
