Four killed in Saraburi cement plant fire

At least four people were killed in a fire at a cement factory in Saraburi yesterday, police said. The blaze began at about 3pm at a Siam City Cement (SCCC) plant in Kaeng Khoi district after sparks from welding work are thought to have ignited a furnace-oil storage tank.

Saraburi Governor Thaweep Thewin said four people were killed in the fire that left at least four others injured.  Seven workers climbed to the top of a 60-metre tower to escape the flames and were rescued by a police helicopter before the fire was put out, the Associated Press quoted him as saying.

Siam City Cement managing director Vincent Bichet said the blast occurred at a boiler of the second cement unit, where a supplier’s employees were working.  The fire was quickly brought under control and damage was limited. ``It was an accident, not sabotage, and has so far had no impact on our production,’’ he said.

“We’re ready to take responsibility for the loss caused to our people but if it was caused by a supplier’s employee we have to discuss details and the supplier will have to share the damages cost,’’ Mr Bichet added.

The second unit with a capacity of 7,500t daily, part of Siam City Cement’s smallest cement factory, had already resumed production, he said. The complex runs with a combined capacity of 12.3Mta.