A fire broke out in an air conditioner inside a Grade 9 classroom at a well-known school in Lampang province, causing over 40 teachers and students to flee in panic. Authorities managed to control the situation within 15 minutes. This is the second fire incident within two days.
At 08:45 on 19 Oct 2023, police from Mueang Lampang Police Station in Lampang were notified of an air conditioner fire in the school building of Boonwattana Wittayalai School, Mueang Lampang district, Lampang province. They promptly arrived at the scene accompanied by Lampang City Municipality fire trucks, nearby rescue units, Lampang City Mayor Punnasin Maneenun, and Boonwattana Wittayalai School Director Niran Meunsuk.
At the scene, in classroom number 938 on the third floor, about 40 Grade 9 students were studying when thick smoke suddenly appeared. The students fled the room in chaos, some leaving their school bags behind. Teachers urged students to evacuate quickly and helped carry the bags out.
Officials took approximately 15 minutes to control the fire. Initial findings indicated the fire started at the air conditioner inside the classroom.
This fire marks the second incident within two days inside the school. On the previous Saturday, a fire was reported in the school cafeteria, where flames broke out near the ice cream freezer before officials contained it.
The school is urgently conducting a detailed investigation to determine the cause and prevent recurrence, ensuring safety for students, teachers, and staff. The cause and extent of damage are still under review.