Flames Scorch Thai-Belgian Bridge, Force Closure

Photo: @Ruamduay / Twitter

Update: City officials said Tuesday afternoon they expect the bridge to remain closed for at least one month for repairs.

BANGKOK — Traffic was snarled along Rama IV Road on Tuesday morning after the Thai-Belgian Bridge was temporarily closed due to a fire.

The fire started at about 7am from an area under the bridge where the district office had stored empty plastic trash bins. The bridge was exposed to flames for over an hour before the fire was extinguished.

The bridge remained closed as of 11am for inspection and an investigation into what caused the fire, according to the Pathum Wan district chief.

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“They were empty spare bins which were new, never used,” District Chief Morakot Sanitthangkoon said.

Morakot said the Council of Engineers would conduct a safety inspection in the afternoon.

Forensic police were collecting evidence, she added.