Blast at Bangkok Synthetics Co Map Ta Phut plant leaves at least 12 dead and 129 wounded

08-May-12

A blast at the Bangkok Synthetics Co (BST) plant on the Map Ta Phut industrial estate in Bangkok-Rayong on May 5 has left at least 12 dead and 129 wounded, according to Thai Deputy Public Health Minister Surawit Khonsomboon, quoted in the Bangkok Post. Nine were killed in the explosion at the BST plant. Thai Prime Minister has set up a tripartite committee to examine possible toxic contamination in the area, and visited workers injured in the explosion in local hospitals over the weekend. The committee consists of experts from the Industry Ministry, the Pollution Control Department and representatives of local communities. The accident occurred while workers were cleaning the production line with toluene, the last step in the shutdown procedure during a product grade switching process. The plant was affected by heavy storm conditions at the time.