Pattaya: A warning to anyone using butane gas canisters: be careful! A recent incident involved an explosion of a gas canister, causing a fire in a condo room in downtown Pattaya. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured or killed.

According to Thai News Agency, the incident occurred around 4 PM yesterday, July 5th, at a condominium in Soi Kasetsin 7, Pattaya City, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. Firefighters and volunteer rescue workers immediately rushed to the scene to provide assistance.

Tourists and locals panicked, fleeing the condo in large numbers. The fire originated on the balcony of room 36 on the 4th floor, with flames and smoke billowing out. Authorities evacuated people from the building in a chaotic manner before using water to extinguish the flames, which took over 30 minutes. The fire was eventually brought under control, but it had already completely destroyed the room.

Mr. Richard, 72, an American citizen and owner of the apartment where the fire originated, suffered burns to his back and torso. Rescue workers provided first aid before transporting him to the hospital. He recounted that during the incident, he smelled smoke on the balcony and went to check. He found a gas cylinder used for cooking on fire, which then ignited and spread inside his apartment. He managed to escape but fortunately, someone alerted authorities who came to his rescue.