Major fire on KMTC container ship in Thailand, chemical leak, 20 people hospitalized UPDATE Photos + Video

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UPDATE: All witnesses mention explosion prior to fire. No smoke seen over Laem Chabang as of 1430 LT (UTC +7), but according to available sources info, fire is still on. Chemicals emission confirmed, those exposed complain skin itching, general unwell.
Fire erupted in containers on board of container ship KMTC HONGKONG berthed at Laem Chabang, Thailand, at around 0600 LT (UTC +7) May 24. Some or all containers on fire are containers with hazardous chemicals, at least 20 people were taken to nearby hospitals for chemical poisoning and burns treatment. People are advised not to breath without masks in the area. Chemical substance is in form of droplets, with burning sensation when hitting skin.
Photo: Sawang Prateep, Sriracha Rescue Unit; Verayut.
1115 LT (UTC +7) – fire seems to be extinguished or under control, I see no smoke in Laem Chabang area, which is clearly visible from my home.
No details on released chemical’s character, the cause of the fire, and number of containers, destroyed or damaged by fire.
Container ship KMTC HONGKONG, IMO 9157753, dwt 20999, capacity 1585 TEU, built 1998, flag Korea, manager KOREA MARINE TRANSPORT CO.
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My name is Mikhail Voytenko, I’m Russian, professional merchant marine navigator, by education and former experience. I own and run Maritime Bulletin website for more than 10 years. I've been involved in solving a number of piracy hijack cases, including the hijack of ro-ro FAINA, loaded with tanks. It was me who made public, and unravel, freighter ARCTIC SEA mystery. I've been also closely involved in a number of maritime disaster, one of them being MSC FLAMINIA major fire.

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