Fire at BST Elastomers kills 11, injures hundreds
ERJ staff report (DS)
Rayong, Thailand - A huge fire at the BST Elastomers facility in Map Ta Phut, Thailand on Saturday has killed at least 11 and injured over 140.
The fire started in a toluene tank at around 15:20 local time on Saturday 5 May during an electrical storm. The facility was shut down for maintenance during a grade-switch
Pinit Asvasaengrat M.D., Chief of Health Promotion and Occupational Medicine Center of Bangkok Rayong Hospital said there are 11 fatalities and 141 injury cases. All injured were rushed to the hospital and received full medical care, and he confirms the level of toluene released from this incident is not harmful and not carcinogenic but can cause irritation and rash.
BST Elastomers Company Limited produces synthetic rubbers for automobile tyres, automobile parts, shoe soles, sporting goods, and other rubber products. The company has two facilities on the Map Ta Phut industrial park. One is a 75-kt/year emulsion-SBR unit; the other is a 52 kt/year high-cis BR plant. Both plants are reportedly shut down following the incident.
The company is reportedly donating Baht 500,000 (euro 12,300) to the relatives of each fatality. Local press reports suggest the cost to BST may reach Bt 1700 million (euro 42 million)
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Press release from BST Elastomers
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BST Elastomers chief vows to take full responsibility
The Nation (Thailand)
Map Ta Phut fire death toll rises to at least 9, 120 injured
The Nation (Thailand)
BST facility suspended after deadly explosion
The Nation (Thailand)
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