Two Thai workers and five fire fighters were killed in a factory fire in Taoyan City of Taiwan Saturday night. Seven other firemen were also injured.
The two Thai victims were identified as Panupong Sa-ngiam, 24, from Chachoengsao who had been working in Taiwan for three years and 42-year old Cherdsak Buramsoong-ngern from Buri Ram who had been working there for six years.
A total of 189 firemen, 67 fire trucks and ambulances were rushed to the scene of the fire to fight the blaze and carry out search and rescue efforts.
The five firemen were killed because they were trapped underneath heavy machinery equipment that made them unable to escape the fire.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated. But Taoyuan fire department said the factory contained a large amount of chemicals, including highly inflammable and explosive materials.
Thai PBS learned that there were about 180 Thais and 130 Vietnamese working in the Shinpoon factory. Most managed to escape or rescued without any belongings and clothing.
All the surviving workers have now been lodged at hostels outside the compound of the factory by its owner on temporary basis.
The Thai labour office in Taiwan has asked the factory owner and job employment service to look after Thai workers. Although some of the Thai workers may not be able to resume work on Monday, the management has assured that they will continue to be paid.
Labour Minister Pol Gen Adul Saengsingkaew has instructed labour officials in Chachoengsao and Buri Ram to visit the families of the two dead victims and to arrange help for them.
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