Wild fire breaks out in Thailand tourist hotspot
At least 20 shops on the popular Phi Phi Island have been damaged. Photo: Twitter
A massive fire spanning 20 shops and restaurants in popular tourist hotspot of Thailand has broken out, forcing residents and visitors to evacuate.
According to local reports, a fire erupted from a row of shophouses on Ko Phi-Phi Island after a gas cylinder explosion at roughly 9.30pm on Tuesday night.
Two people were reportedly injured in the fire.
The Phuket News said tourists and local residents were required to evacuate to safer areas, including the beach.
Ko Phi Phi fire update: 10.40pm | Local residents say the fire started at a small hotel at Soi Slinky before spreading to at least 20 shophouses. Tourists and local people are being evacuated to safe areas. #PhiPhi #fire #Thailand pic.twitter.com/JASxi8YxHr
— Thai PBS World (@ThaiPBSWorld) February 6, 2018
Firefighters arrived at the scene and sealed off the area as the blaze spread to surrounding buildings.
At least 25 restaurants, guest houses, and hotels are said to have been damaged.
Authorities managed to get the fire under control at 11pm.
Three people, two Taiwanese people and one foreign tourist sustained minor injuries from smoke inhalation, Thai PBS reported.
