PHAYAO — 5 May 2026, A dramatic fire broke out in front of a 7-Eleven convenience store opposite the University of Phayao after a severe electrical short circuit ignited overhead power lines and communication lines.
Witnesses said a loud explosion was heard before sparks began falling from the cables, which quickly caught fire. Flames spread rapidly along the communication wires, flaring high in the air and causing panic among nearby residents and students, who fled the area for safety.
Provincial Electricity Authority officials and rescue workers rushed to the scene, cutting power immediately to prevent further spread before working to extinguish the blaze. It took some time to bring the fire under control.
Initial reports indicated that at least two poles were damaged, while numerous communication lines were destroyed. Authorities are now working to repair and replace the damaged infrastructure to restore electricity as soon as possible.
