Sprinklers, emergency lights help firefighters control blaze
Firefighters managed to quickly control a blaze in the Le Concorde Office Tower in Bangkok's Huai Khwang district thanks to the building's efficient firealarm system, the district's director said.
The fire crew was able to put the fire out half an hour after it broke out at 11.30am because the firesafety system included sprinklers and emergency lights, Chumpon Chaokoh said.
Since the building is in the compound of the 25storey, 400room Swissotel Le Concorde, guests and staff ran out in panic, making the traffic on the already congested Ratchadapisek Road even worse.
Hotel staff Dujduen Tienampai was rushed to Rama IX hospital due to breathing problems caused by smoke inhalation.
Initial police investigation revealed that the fire had started inside a storage room in the basement of the office tower, leaving the hotel unaffected.
Huai Khwang police chief, Pol Colonel Boonsong Namkorn, said the fire may have been caused by a spark from tripped circuit, which set fire to the inflammable items stored in the room. The cost of the damage has yet to be estimated.
