Fire rages at Khlong Thom Center, building at risk of collapse

A huge fire engulfed the Khlong Thom Center, a well-known shopping complex specialising in electronics and tools, on Worachak Road in Bangkok’s Pom Prap Sattru Phai district on Friday night.

Fire and rescue agencies in the area were alerted to the blaze at 8.42pm and immediately dispatched firefighters, volunteers and rescue workers to the scene.

However, at press time, almost three hours after the fire started, firefighters had yet to bring the blaze under control, while the building was at risk of collapsing, according to Fire & Rescue Thailand’s Facebook page.

Firefighters arriving at the scene found flames and heavy smoke billowing from the first floor, where shops are located.

The fire later spread to a mezzanine level beneath the parking area at about 9.10pm, with flames reported across a large area of the building.

Explosions were heard intermittently as the fire continued to burn.

At about 9.27pm, flames had also begun to appear at the rear of the building, while explosions continued to be heard.

By 9.35pm, parts of the building’s interior had begun to collapse, raising concerns over the safety of firefighters and rescue workers at the scene.