A massive explosion at a factory on the outskirts of Bangkok early Monday shook an airport terminal serving Thailand’s capital, injured at least 11 people and prompted the evacuation of residents from the area, authorities said.
The fire broke out at around 3 a.m. at a foam and plastic pallet manufacturing factory in a southeastern area just outside Bangkok near Suvarnabhumi Airport. Photos showed nearby homes with their windows blown out and wreckage in the streets. Firefighters were still working to contain the blaze hours later, and authorities ordered an evacuation of the area amid fears that thousands of liters (gallons) of leaking chemicals may cause more explosions. Evacuation centers were set up in a school and a government office for those forced from their homes. There was no immediate word on what might have caused the fire in the Bang Phli area nor on whether anyone was injured or killed. Local media reported that the initial explosion shook the terminal building at Suvarnabhumi, setting off alarms at Bangkok’s main international airport. Airport officials said no flights had been cancelled but offered no other immediate details.
