Phuket –
A massive fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday (January 7th) at Chalong Pier in Phuket, destroying at least 23 speedboats and causing widespread alarm among local residents.
At approximately 4:00 a.m., police from Chalong Police Station and rescue teams rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a blaze consuming speedboats moored at the pier. Witnesses described towering flames and thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky, visible as far as the Chalong Five-Way Roundabout. The dramatic scene sparked panic among nearby communities.
Initial accounts suggest the fire began with an explosion on one vessel before strong sea winds carried sparks to neighboring boats. The flames spread rapidly, damaging at least four speedboats belonging to the same private company.
Emergency crews, including rescue workers and municipal disaster prevention teams from Rawai, deployed fire trucks and worked intensively to contain the blaze. Firefighters cut mooring ropes and separated vessels to prevent further spread.
By dawn, officials had managed to bring the situation under control. No injuries or fatalities have been reported at this stage. The cause of the explosion and fire remains under investigation, with forensic teams expected to conduct a detailed examination once the site is fully secured.
Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage, which is believed to be substantial given the number of vessels involved.
