Bangkok: A fire erupted at a car repair shop located on Soi Ratchadaphisek 36 in the Chatuchak District, believed to have been initiated by a cigarette butt discarded by a nearby hotel guest. The butt reportedly landed on a pile of plastic car parts, resulting in a fierce blaze that ultimately consumed the entire shop.

According to Thai News Agency, the incident took place while Mr. Sathira Noppawong, the owner's nephew, and two employees were resting inside the closed shop on a Sunday. They detected a burning smell and quickly discovered flames engulfing the plastic car parts. Despite their efforts to control the fire, it spread uncontrollably, prompting them to evacuate and alert the fire department.

Initial investigations suggest that the fire's origin was a cigarette butt flicked by a hotel guest from an adjacent building. The plastic parts served as a catalyst, allowing the fire to rapidly escalate. Mr. Sathira noted that a similar incident had occurred previously, which they had managed to control, and they had since warned the hotel about the potential hazard.

The fire resulted in significant losses, including money, vital documents, valuables, and numerous used cars within the shop. Fortunately, none of the cars belonged to customers, as the garage's practice involved purchasing used cars for parts resale. Mr. Sathira has requested a thorough investigation to determine the fire's cause, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the event in his long tenure at the location.

The fire also caused intermittent explosions, which were powerful enough to be felt by residents in a nearby condominium. One resident shared her experience of hurriedly evacuating after hearing the blasts, which resembled gas tanks exploding. The thick smoke and recurring explosions forced residents to evacuate for their safety.