More than 130 people were transferred to hospital, after an explosion and fire onboard the South Korean container ship ‘KMTC Hong Kong’ while berthed in Thailand’s eastern Laem Chabang port on Saturday. Video footage depicts the magnitude of the fire.
Flames ripped through a load of cargo including chemicals on Saturday morning, forcing officials to evacuate workers and temporarily close three piers through the afternoon, international sources say.
There were no major injuries, the Ministry of Public Health said, but people were taken to hospital, complaining of irritation in the eyes and throat or burning sensation on the skin.
The load of cargo was containing the chemical calcium hypochlorite, Reuters reported.
Authorities closed the A2 pier, where the fire broke out and two others that were affected by the fire.
People were advised not to breath without masks in the area.
Investigation is underway to determine the exact causes of the incident.
