Fire ravages Thai Buddhist temple in Tokyo
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A Thai Buddhist temple under the Thai Supreme Patriarch's patronage in Japan was engulfed by fire yesterday.
The damage bill at Wat Bhuddha Rangsi in Hachioji, Tokyo, was estimated as at least Bt10 million, said Phra Kru Sanghasitthikorn, a director of the Supreme Patriarch’s secretariat.
It is suspected that a short circuit caused the fire, which broke out at 11.30am Japanese time, the monk said during a visit to Japan.
“It is fortunate that people fled for safety in time. There were no deaths or serious injuries. Only one monk suffered a slight burn.”
The monk said the fire was extinguished quickly but the flames spread fast because of the dry weather and most structures being made of wood.
The temple was officially opened in 2009. Late last year, devoted Buddhists made donations to buy additional land to expand the temple and build an ubosot (prayer room) and other structures as merits to the late Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara.
The construction was due for completion in 2017.
