Fire Explodes Outside Phuket Hospital, Destroying Multi-Million Baht Mobile ICU

PHUKET, THAILAND — Panic erupted outside Vachira Phuket Hospital on Sunday morning when a high-tech Mobile ICU unit caught fire directly in front of the emergency department, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and resulting in millions of baht in damages.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:08 AM on October 11, 2026, when emergency responders and local authorities were alerted to a vehicle ablaze right outside the hospital's accident and emergency center in Muang district.

Emergency teams from the Phuket City Municipality Fire and Disaster Prevention Department rushed to the scene alongside officers from the Muang Phuket Police Station, led by Pol. Col. Chatree Chookaew. Firefighters moved swiftly to contain the roaring flames, preventing the fire from spreading to nearby hospital buildings or adjacent vehicles. Within minutes, responders managed to bring the blaze fully under control.

Initial inspections confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were reported, as neither medical personnel nor patients were inside the vehicle at the time.

The vehicle involved was a specialized Mobile ICU ambulance equipped with advanced life-support systems used for critical patient transport. Early estimates suggest the vehicle and its high-grade medical technology are worth several million baht, though local officials are conducting a complete inventory to assess the exact financial damage.

Authorities have secured the site, and forensic teams are collaborating with Muang Phuket police to determine the cause of the fire. Preliminary checks focus on potential electrical failures or short circuits within the vehicle's onboard medical systems or engine bay.

Hospital administrators assured the public that emergency medical services and daily operations at Vachira Phuket Hospital remain fully functional. Secondary response vehicles have been deployed immediately to cover critical care transports, ensuring no interruption to urgent patient care across the island.

In light of the incident, regional healthcare officials announced a mandatory safety review for all specialized emergency vehicles across Phuket. Inspection teams will re-examine on-board electrical systems, high-capacity battery installations, and life-support power grids to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.