Krathong vendors lose homes to blaze
A fire destroyed residences of krathong vendors in a community behind Chandrakasem Rajabhat University yesterday afternoon.
No one was killed or injured in the blaze, which gutted about 50 residences in the one-rai community in Soi Ratchada 36 in Chatuchak district. The narrow soi and strong wind gave fire-fighters and 20 fire trucks some difficulty controlling the fire. However, the officers successfully contained the fire within half an hour. Colonel Surasak Sanucharn, head of the Phaholyothin police station, said community members heard an explosion before the blaze ignited at a house with no number and spread quickly to others nearby. Police have been looking for the owner of the house where the fire originated. Resident Ramphung Phew-dam, 42, said the land belongs to a bank but locals have trespassed on it for over 20 years. Most of the residences operate as shops that purchase recycled objects, making them easy fuel for the fire. "Many residents prepared krathong-making materials and food to sell at the Loy Krathong festival held by Chandrakasem Rajabhat University," Ramphung said. "But those were all burned."
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