Second fire at Baiyoke One Tower
MANOP THIP-OSOD
A fire broke out on the second floor of the 43-storey Baiyoke One Tower, once Bangkok's tallest building, which houses a hotel and a wholesale garment market, around noon yesterday.
At least eight people suffered from smoke inhalation but no one died.
The city administration immediately declared the tower a danger zone. City engineers will check the building for structural safety before deciding whether it can be allowed to re-open.
The cause of the fire is believed to be a short circuit in the electrical power control room on the second floor of the building located in the Pratunam area, Ratchathewi district.
The blaze raged for about 20 minutes before it was brought under control. Thick black smoke was seen rising as high as the 18th floor. The smoke choked some people trapped inside before rescue workers could help them out.
Choked victims were given first aid amid a scene of chaos as traders and hotel guests scrambled for fire exits. Eight people suffering from smoke inhalation, including a rescue worker, were rushed to a nearby hospital.
Firefighters had to shatter glass windows to let out thick smoke trapped inside the building.
Baiyoke One was once Bangkok's tallest building until its place was taken over by its sister tower Baiyoke Two, which is roughly twice taller.
Baiyoke One is located right in the heart of one of Bangkok's major wholesale garment markets. Its first three floors are rented out to garment wholesalers while the upper levels serve as a hotel.
Phayathai police said local traders smelled something burning before spotting smoke seeping out from under the door of the power control room where the fire started.
Traders were prohibited from re-entering their shops to collect their valuables after Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin declared the building a danger zone.
Yesterday's blaze was the second to have hit Baiyoke One in two years. On Feb 24, 2003, a small fire broke out on its first floor. It was quickly put out and no one was injured.
The city's building control division had earlier said Baiyoke One's safety standards needed to be improved after checks showed one of its fire exits had been turned into a storage room.
Source : Bangkokpost : Apr 27, 2005