The blaze that killed four suspects in detention at a police station in Nonthaburi was probably caused by a short circuit in the main electrical switchboard, police say.
Adul: ‘Probe will find those responsible’
Pol Lt Gen Charamporn Suramanee, assistant national police chief, said an examination by forensic officers pointed to a short circuit in the switchboard located at the back of Sai Noi police station. A spark was believed to have started a fire on a motorcycle seat which spread to other motorcycles parked near the switchboard. The petrol in the motorcycles fuelled the fire, he said.
The assistant police chief said hundreds of seized motorcycles kept at the back of the police station were destroyed.
"If sparks landed on one of these motorcyles, it could easily have started a fire. A thorough investigation is needed to confirm the cause," he said.
Pol Lt Gen Charamporn was speaking after he and the forensic workers examined the site.
National police chief Adul Saengsingkaew assured the relatives of the victims that action will be taken against anyone found responsible.
Pol Gen Adul said the Police Region 1 Bureau will investigate the blaze at Sai Noi police station which broke out early on Sunday morning.
However, he declined to say whether the tragedy was caused by police malfeasance, saying the probe will shed light on what had happened and who was responsible.
"We should wait for the findings of the probe. There was a commotion after a fire. But I can assure you that some people will have to take responsibility," he said.
Based on an early report, the blaze started about 4am, causing a power blackout. Five police were said to be on duty at the time.
The fire was believed to have been caused by a power transformer explosion. Four people, all detained suspects, were found dead inside the station's cell after the fire was brought under control.
Pol Gen Adul also said the police force will review its emergency response measures.
"Even though this kind of incident is rare, we have to make sure officers on duty know their drill," he said.
He said the Police Region 1 Bureau commissioner has also been asked to talk to the families of the victims about compensation and rehabilitation.