Bangkok Commuter Boats Damaged in Pier Fire

BANGKOK, Sept 15 (TNA) - A fire damaged three commuter boats docked near Bangkok's Wat Rajsingkorn Pier on the Chao Phraya River on Sunday evening, according to a statement from the boat company. No injuries or casualties were reported.

The fire, which broke out around 6:36 p.m., heavily damaged two express boats and caused minor damage to a third. The company, which operates the Chao Phraya Express Boat service, stated that no passengers or crew members were on board at the time.

Initial reports from the company suggest the fire was caused by a short circuit from an electrical connection used to charge the boats' batteries. The blaze was brought under control within 45 minutes by local staff and firefighters.

An eyewitness, 47-year-old boat caretaker Thaweesak Thiangthanasak, said he noticed a reflection of fire on a boat’s roof while doing his nightly checks. He attempted to extinguish the fire on one vessel with a fire extinguisher to minimize damage, while a second boat was heavily engulfed in flames.

As the fire burned, the mooring ropes on two of the vessels burned through, causing the boats to drift into the middle of the river. 

The company is currently working with authorities to determine the exact cause of the fire and implement stronger preventative measures. -819 (TNA)