SAMUT PRAKAN: Energy company PTT is investigating the cause of a gas pipe explosion in Bang Bo district yesterday afternoon, which killed three women and injured more than 50 people.
The company said the explosion happened after natural gas leaked from a pipe leading to the Asia Industrial Estate Suvarnabhumi at about 1pm and caught fire.
PTT has set up an operations centre at Preng Ratbamrung Temple for people affected by the blast and said they would be given accommodation and food.
The company has also said it will foot the medical expenses of the injured and pay compensation to the families of the deceased.
Police said the explosion was on 200 Years Road, opposite Preng police station, and caused nearby residents to flee. Some of their homes were seen engulfed in flames, which quickly spread, and other residents were evacuated by police.
The victims were identified as Mali Boonman, 81, who died in her house, and Lamai Harnhiran, 82, who died in hospital. At press time last night the third victim had not been named.
Four houses were badly damaged as were several vehicles and the police station.
