BST facility suspended after deadly explosion

The Nation 06 May 2012

Bangkok Synthetics Plc's operations in Map Ta Phut, Rayong has been suspended, following the explosion at its synthetic tyre furnace on May 5.

Industry Minister Pongsawat Svasti said today, before accompanying Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's helicopter ride to Rayong, that he has also ordered a throrough check of security systems at all facilities in the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate as well as the air condition.

Yingluck was scheduled to visit the injured workers and attend a briefing on the situation.

He noted that the hydrocarbon elemements in the air remain at normal level and no carcinogenic substance is found, despite the leak of toluene - a feedstock for synthetic tyre production.

He said that villagers from 10 communities nearby, ordered for evacuation yesterday, should be able to return home today.

As of now, death toll hit 12, he added.

According to Deputy Public Health Minister Surawit Khonsomboon added that injuries hit 129. Of that, 99 has returned home and 30 remain hospitalised at four hospitals in the area, for burn treatment.

Surawit assured that the government is ready to cover all medical expenses.