This afternoon, firefighters are still working to put out a huge fire that broke out nearly 24 hours ago at the Thai Development Paper Co., Ltd., a paper plant in Samut Prakan, the province neighboring Bangkok.
The latest reports reveal that authorities have been able to put out about 70 percent of the fire, according to Post Today. It reportedly took more than 16 hours to achieve even that.
Though no injuries have been reported, early police police estimates of damages are about THB100 million (US$3 million.)
The fire started at about 5pm yesterday when the company’s approximately 800 employees finished their shift, while about 50 began working overtime
At that same time, construction was reportedly being done on the roof.
Samut Prakan police suspect that sparks from the welding landed on a densely packed pile of paper in the back of the warehouse, setting it ablaze.
More than 50 fire trucks were deployed to fight the fire around the clock, reported Thai PBS.
Investigators are currently working to conclude the cause of the fire.
Meanwhile, locals near the factory have been affected by the fumes and smoke from the fire. Provincial health officers and village health volunteers are now surveying the area and distributing face masks.
