Bangkok: A chlorine storage tank at the Phuket water supply station exploded, prompting immediate action to control the situation and ensure public safety. According to Thai News Agency, the Phuket Governor, Mr. Chotinrin Kerdsum, accompanied by Mr. Warat Surawadee, Head of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, and other related agencies, inspected the explosion site at the Phuket City Municipality Waterworks Department on Damrong Road, Talat Yai Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District. The inspection aimed to assess the situation and monitor the operations closely.
Phuket City Police closed the entire road to facilitate the firefighting efforts, allowing them to control the situation within just one hour. The municipality also conducted a survey of the homes affected by the explosion to assess the damage. The Governor instructed all agencies to integrate their efforts and expedite containment measures to prevent any potential impacts on the public and environment, emphasizing the safety of personnel and residents as a primary concern.
Officials have been tasked with assessing the damage and implementing chemical control measures in line with the emergency response plan to prevent the spread of chlorine. Continuous monitoring of the situation will be maintained until normalcy is restored. The Phuket Provincial Administration has advised the public to follow information from official government channels and to avoid the incident area until it is declared safe.
Phuket City Mayor Supachok Laongphet, who also inspected the site, indicated that initial reports confirmed the explosion involved a chlorine storage tank used in water treatment. Although the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, the Mayor assured that the water production system was not affected and continues to operate normally. He urged the public not to panic, noting that while there might be an initial chemical smell, the incident does not pose a health risk.