CHIANG KHAM: A fire that engulfed a sedan belonging to a local gift shop owner was narrowly contained by rescue workers, preventing a potential explosion. The incident, which occurred during a New Year's Eve festival, was linked to the remains of a sky lantern found beside the vehicle.
According to Thai News Agency, the fire broke out around midnight in Ban Phra Nang Din, Wiang Subdistrict, in Chiang Kham District. The vehicle, a white Suzuki Swift sedan owned by Ms. Saowalak, 35, was nearly entirely destroyed by the flames. Villagers who witnessed the blaze alerted rescue workers, and both firefighters and the car owner worked quickly to extinguish the fire, which took about 20 minutes to control.
Upon investigation, officers discovered remnants of a lantern next to the car's wheel. It is suspected that the lantern, possibly launched by villagers during New Year's celebrations, did not fully extinguish and landed on the roof awning of the vehicle, igniting the fire.
Ms. Saowalak recounted how she and her husband were asleep when they were awakened by the villagers' calls. They rushed outside to find their car in flames. Before rescue workers arrived, her husband used a neighbor's hose to help control the fire. The quick response of the villagers and rescue workers was crucial in preventing further damage or injury.