A five-metre high artificial tree on the walkway caught fire and caused passengers and shoppers to run away in panic. Despite the haste with which people left, there were no reports of anybody being injured in the incident.
The sight of thick black smoke brought station staff and Square One security personnel running. With the help of volunteers they were able to extinguish the blaze in 15 minutes. The fire destroyed the artificial tree and just the metal frame was left standing. The flames and smoke stained glass panelling on the walkway.
Fire officers were last night trying to ascertain the cause of the blaze. Although no official report has been issued yet, one investigator said that it seemed as if there had been a power surge and wires connecting the decoration lights had short-circuited.
Xmas tree self-combusts at Bangkok Skytrain station
News in Asia
A blazing Christmas tree sparked panic at the main interchange station on Bangkok’s Skytrain system yesterday afternoon. The blaze occurred at about 15:00 on an elevated walkway that connects the BTS Siam Station to Siam Square One Shopping Mall.