A massive explosion at a chemical factory on the outskirts of Bangkok has killed at least one person, injured dozens more and damaged scores of homes, while prompting the evacuation of thousands. The main blaze at the Ming Dih Chemical factory has been brought under control but a chemical tank continues to burn.
The 32-year-old factory makes expandable polystyrene foam, which is highly flammable
Disaster authorities said 70 houses were damaged and fires were still being fought 15 hours after the explosion in Samut Prakan province in the early hours of Monday (5 July).
One rescue worker has died, while 29 people have been injured, officials said.
The cause of the explosion at the Taiwanese-owned factory has not yet been determined.
The blast could be heard for kilometres and surveillance video from a nearby house captured the bright flash and boom, followed by damage to the home and the one next door from the shockwaves.
A large cloud of black smoke could be seen from Bangkok, with Samut Prakan residents living within 5km of the factory being moved away as a precaution.
Helicopters tried to navigate close enough to dump fire retardant onto it, initially with little success.
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