BREAKING: Massive explosion rocks Bangkok airport

An explosion and fire levels Ming Dih Chemical Co factory in Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan on Monday morning. (Photo: Poh Teck Tung Khamrop 51 Foundation via @fm91trafficpro Twitter account๗

A massive explosion at a factory on the outskirts of Bangkok early Monday shook an airport terminal serving Thailand’s capital and prompted the evacuation of residents from the area.

One rescuer has been killed and more than 60 people injured, according to early media reports.

The explosion occurred about 2.50am at the Ming Dih Chemical Co factory in Soi King Kaew 21 at Moo 15 village in tambon Rachathewa.

There were five or six warehouses in the factory compound, where 50 tonnes of chemicals were stored.

The explosion was followed by a massive fire which engulfed the entire factory and caused extensive damage to buildings and houses within in a one-kilometre radius.

More than 30 fire engines from the Rachathewa tambon administration organisation and other local administrations were rushed to the scene.

The fire was finally declared under control around dawn. Black smoke continued to rise above the gutted ruins.

The cause of the explosion was unknown. – Bangkok Post