Bangkok-bound lanes on both ground-level and elevated roads in Bang Pakong district remained partially closed on Monday morning as officials inspected damage caused by a truck fire involving lithium batteries.
The fire broke out at about 7:30pm on Sunday on the inbound side of Debaratna Road, near kilometre marker 40 in tambon Bang Wua, Bang Pakong district, Chachoengsao.
The incident involved a six-wheeled truck registered in Nakhon Pathom province. The vehicle was reportedly carrying lithium batteries when it caught fire, triggering explosions and sending flames across the roadway.
The blaze also damaged part of the elevated Burapha Withi Expressway above the scene. Heat from the fire reportedly scorched the structure and caused sections of concrete to peel away.
The truck driver, identified as Noparat, escaped from the vehicle without injury. According to media reports, he told authorities he had only been hired to drive the truck from Plaeng Yao district in Chachoengsao to Samut Sakhon province and did not know what cargo he was transporting.
Eight fire engines were sent to the scene, where firefighters worked to bring the flames under control and cool the burning materials.
Local police later closed the express lanes of Debaratna Road, as well as the left lane of the Bangkok-bound Burapha Withi Expressway, to allow officials to inspect the damage and clear the area.
The partial road closures caused heavy congestion from Sunday night into Monday morning.
Burnt lithium batteries were later found scattered across Debaratna Road, while firefighters continued spraying water over the smoking pile to prevent the fire from reigniting.
