Chlorine storage tank explodes at Phuket waterworks, situation controlled within an hour

A chlorine storage tank exploded at Phuket City Municipality’s waterworks in Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket, on 28 July, with emergency crews controlling the situation within an hour, officials said.

The incident was reported at about 11.40am at the waterworks on Damrong Road after a loud blast was heard across the surrounding area. Police temporarily closed nearby roads while water trucks sprayed around the tank as a safety measure.

Phuket governor Chotinarin Kerdsom, Phuket Disaster Prevention and Mitigation official Worarat Surawadi, Mueang Phuket district chief Siwat Rawangkul and other officials inspected the site. The municipality also surveyed nearby homes for possible damage from the blast.

Supachok La-ongphet, mayor of Phuket City Municipality, said the tank was used in the water-production process. He said the cause of the explosion was being investigated, but that it had not affected the municipal water-production system, which continued operating normally.

Supachok urged residents not to panic, saying the incident did not affect public health, although a chemical smell might have been noticeable initially. Phuket authorities instructed agencies to coordinate their response and prioritise the safety of residents and emergency workers.