Samut Sakhon Fire Kills Elderly Couple: Explosions Fuel Suspicions
A devastating fire tore through a six-story commercial building in Muang district, Samut Sakhon province, on Wednesday morning, claiming the lives of two elderly business owners. The blaze, which ignited around 5:00 a. m., engulfed the structure housing a wholesale electronics business, sending plumes of thick smoke into the sky. The incident shocked the local community and prompted a thorough investigation.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Phuwarit Paladcha, deputy chief investigator with the Bang Nam Chuet police, witnesses reported hearing two distinct explosions before the fire erupted. This detail complicates the investigation, raising questions about the ignition source. The intensity of the blaze required a massive response, with twenty fire engines from Bang Nam Chuet and surrounding municipalities, along with dedicated rescue teams, converging on the scene.
Firefighters battled the inferno for six hours before gaining control. However, the fire spread to five adjacent storefronts, including a diesel service center, significantly increasing the damage and challenging emergency responders. Tragically, one firefighter sustained critical electrocution injuries while battling the flames near an elevator and was immediately hospitalized.
Amidst the debris, search and rescue teams discovered the bodies of 73-year-old Wasan Vityanulak and 69-year-old Apapan Vityanulak. The couple, owners of the electronics business, lived in the building. Mr. Vityanulak’s body was found on the rooftop staircase; Mrs. Vityanulak’s was found in their third-floor kitchen.
The fire caused an estimated 20 million baht in damages, according to Lieutenant Colonel Phuwarit. This includes the primary building and damage to neighboring businesses. The incident highlights the devastating consequences of such fires, both in terms of human life and economic loss.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. The reported explosions warrant a closer examination of potential electrical faults, flammable materials stored in the building, or other contributing factors. The investigation aims to determine the precise sequence of events and prevent similar tragedies. This incident underscores the importance of fire safety regulations and the crucial role of first responders.
