Pattaya, March 16, 2024 — A fire broke out today mid-afternoon at a room on the 11th floor of the Edge, a prestigious luxury condominium in the heart of Pattaya City. Luckily, other than two people with minor smoke inhalation related issues, there were no injuries.
First, a video of the fire and video version of the story can be found here.
At precisely 1:36 p.m., the Pattaya Public Disaster Prevention Department and Mitigation Radio Center received an urgent report of a fire at the Edge Central Pattaya Condominium, Nongprue, Chonburi.
Multiple firefighters and rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Dhamma Sathan in Pattaya City immediately raced to the scene where flames licked the walls, smoke billowed from windows, and water cascaded down the facade. Many people were filming the situation and taking photos and sharing them on social media. Over a hundred residents and tourists, some with luggage and bags, were seen fleeing the building and gathering around the outside.
Five fire trucks sprayed torrents of water, battling the flames for nearly 20 minutes until they finally subsided leaving only a thick cloud of smoke.
Amid the frenzy, two individuals suffered smoke inhalation symptoms and received immediate attention from rescue workers. Authorities swiftly cordoned off high-risk areas, ensuring the safety of onlookers and passersby.
A condo housekeeper, who was not identified by name to The Pattaya News, revealed that the fire reportedly originated in room 158 on the 11th floor. This room was unoccupied at the time of the incident. Moments before the fire erupted, an explosion echoed from an air compressor in the room and panic ensued as flames engulfed the space.
Residents recounted harrowing moments to The Pattaya News: The blaring fire alarms, frantic footsteps echoing through hallways, and the acrid stench of burning materials. Compliments were given to condo staff and security for calmly assisting in the evacuation and following policies and procedures.
Fire officials confirmed to Thai media that the fire originated from the air conditioning equipment in the room in question. The inferno rapidly consumed the room, leaving it severely damaged but without an estimated cost of damages at this time.
Residents have begun to return to their rooms as of press time while investigators continue to survey damage around the room where the fire broke out.
Police officers and relevant agencies were seen assisting tourists and residents in the evacuation and also praised condo staff for their assistance.
