Illegal chemical warehouse in Ayutthaya razed by overnight inferno

An inferno swept through an unauthorised chemical warehouse in Phachi, Ayutthaya, leading to the combustion of over four tonnes of impounded chemical waste. Thai media outlets first broke the news of the fire at 6pm, yesterday, May 1, depicting a scene of roaring flames and a thick blanket of chemical smoke suffocating the area. The pungent smell that pervaded the locality kept residents on edge.

In response, Ayutthaya’s emergency services rallied more than ten fire engines to battle the flames, which raged overnight. The task was made more complex due to the unidentified nature of the chemical waste, necessitating a cautious approach to prevent further hazards.

As the fire continued to spread, engulfing a 3-kilometre radius, authorities made the crucial decision to evacuate locals and patients from a nearby hospital. The evacuation…