Panic at Pattaya pet hospital: firefighters launch rescue on balcony

Photo courtesy of เรารักพัทยา via The Pattaya News

TO fire broke out early this morning in Doctor Ja Animal Hospital in Pattayatriggering a frantic rescue effort to save residents and trapped animals.

Sawang Boriboon Rescue Center received reports of a fire at the three-storey building on Soi Phonpraphanimit at 7.30am today, January 9.

Smoke billowed from the structure and six terrified residents, including children, were stranded on the third-floor balcony. Rescuers, with the help of the Nong Prue Municipal Disaster Prevention Unit, deployed fire trucks and an aerial ladder truck to the scene.

First responders ordered trapped residents to the second-floor balcony, where they were safely evacuated using the ladder truck.

“All people suffered minor smoke inhalation but were otherwise uninjured.”

Firefighters quickly contained the flames, which originated on the first floor near a fish tank and a shelf that stored pet supplies. The area suffered partial damage. Inside, rescuers discovered eight dogs and seven cats. While most of the animals were rescued, two cats tragically succumbed to smoke inhalation.

“The animals were terrified and some were in danger,” said hospital staff, who worked with rescuers to relocate the surviving pets to nearby facilities for temporary care.

The owner of the building, Anusara Saisaat, 40, recounted the ordeal.

“We were woken up by loud noises and the smell of smoke. When we opened the front door, the hallway was engulfed in smoke. “We had no choice but to escape to the balcony.”

The fire is suspected to have been caused by a electrical short circuitalthough police Investigations are ongoing, reported The Pattaya News.