Senior Pattaya police officer’s white Mercedes-Benz caught fire early Thursday at a busy intersection. He escaped unharmed as flames engulfed the engine bay. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze. Authorities investigate whether mechanical failure or an external factor caused the unexpected fire.
Pattaya police are probing a sudden fire that gutted a luxury white Mercedes-Benz early Thursday. The car belonged to a senior police officer and even held a police uniform inside as flames tore through the engine bay. The officer escaped just in time before the blaze fully engulfed the vehicle. Damage was severe and the cause remains unclear. Investigators are now zeroing in on whether a mechanical failure or external interference sparked the inferno.
Early Thursday morning, a senior police officer had a narrow escape after his Mercedes-Benz caught fire. The incident occurred at 2:46 AM on July 25 at the Rong Mai Kheed intersection on Sukhumvit Road, North Pattaya.
Emergency crews from the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Centre and Pattaya City Fire Department responded immediately. When they arrived, the white luxury sedan was engulfed in thick smoke and flames. Flames poured out from beneath the vehicle’s hood, creating a dramatic scene.
Firefighters used chemical extinguishers and quickly moved to control the blaze. Within ten minutes, they had successfully put out the fire. However, the car’s front end sustained severe damage due to the intense heat.
Fire crews extinguish flames at busy Pattaya intersection, saving a luxury Mercedes from destruction
Meanwhile, the officer inside the vehicle escaped without injury. He managed to flee just moments before the flames engulfed the entire car. Inside the scorched vehicle, responders found a police uniform bearing the rank of Police Colonel. This confirmed that the driver was a senior police officer.
Although the officer was unharmed, he refused to provide his name or speak to the media. Reports indicate he serves as a high-ranking officer in Chonburi province. Police are withholding his identity pending the outcome of the investigation.
Fire investigators thoroughly inspected the scene. They confirmed the fire was fully extinguished and no longer posed a risk of reigniting. Subsequently, officers from Banglamung Police Station took charge of the investigation. They will forward the case to the Region 2 Forensic Science Division in Chonburi for further analysis.
Senior policeman escapes unharmed as authorities launch forensic investigation into Pattaya Mercedes fire
Initially, bystanders attempted to extinguish the fire using nearby water sources. However, their efforts failed due to the intense heat and thick smoke. The fire was concentrated mainly in the engine bay, making it difficult to approach safely.
Additional fire units arrived to assist. Together, they battled the inferno for over ten minutes before finally gaining control. One emergency responder described the scene, saying, “The smoke was so thick that we could barely get near the engine.”
The incident took place at the well-known Matchstick Factory Intersection, a local landmark on Sukhumvit Road. Locals noted the irony of the fire occurring there, given the intersection’s name. Despite this, authorities quickly dismissed any symbolic connection to the blaze.
Fierce engine fire at notorious Matchstick Factory Intersection damages police officer’s Mercedes
At the time, the officer was reportedly driving home. Traffic at the intersection was briefly disrupted but returned to normal once the fire was extinguished. Fortunately, no other vehicles or pedestrians were involved or harmed.
Police spokespersons confirmed, “There were no injuries. The officer is safe and cooperating fully with our investigation.” Despite this reassurance, questions about the fire’s cause remain.
Police and fire officials are currently reviewing CCTV footage from nearby businesses. Moreover, they plan to conduct a full forensic examination of the vehicle once it has cooled completely. This process will help determine the exact cause of the fire.
Speculation has already surfaced online. Some social media users suspect a mechanical fault triggered the blaze. Others wonder if external factors played a role. However, no official conclusion has been reached.
Investigators review CCTV and forensic evidence to determine cause of Mercedes-Benz fire in Pattaya
The damaged Mercedes-Benz’s front end bore the brunt of the fire. Personal belongings, including the officer’s uniform, were recovered from the vehicle’s interior. Authorities continue to secure evidence to support their investigation.
This event highlights the dangers vehicles can face, even luxury models like Mercedes-Benz. Engine fires can escalate rapidly, offering little time to react. Hence, vehicle maintenance and prompt response remain critical.
Emergency responders’ quick actions prevented the situation from worsening. Their efficiency helped avoid a potentially larger disaster in a busy part of Pattaya. Furthermore, their professionalism was praised by local residents who witnessed the scene.
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Authorities encourage drivers to remain vigilant for any signs of trouble in their vehicles. For instance, unusual smells or smoke should prompt immediate action. Regular vehicle inspections can also reduce the risk of fire.
Meanwhile, the investigation continues. Police urge the public to await official updates and avoid spreading rumours. Transparency remains a priority as the case unfolds.
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