Chaos in a blaze on Koh Phi Phi

- A lot of panic and chaos last night on the small Thai tourist island Koh Phi Phi at Phuket. After a gas explosion in a hostel, fire broke out in the tourist street. In haste, buildings were evacuated and people fled to safe places.

The island is very popular with young backpackers. They helped massively to extinguish, because the local fire service was not well equipped. For example, according to eyewitnesses, there were too few fire hoses and not enough water pressure. A human chain of hundreds of meters then passed through jerry cans of water.

'The fire was enormous, the heat unbearable, the smoke threatening. Nevertheless, after a few hours we have succeeded in extinguishing the blazing fire. That gives satisfaction. It was very exciting at one point ', says Dutch world traveler Michael Muller (26) from Drachten.

According to him, it is still a miracle that no deaths have occurred. 'At most, slightly injured. There is, however, a havoc with much damage to shops, cafes, hotels and restaurants. We have set up a fundraising via justgiving. com to help the population with reconstruction. '

'Paradise' Koh Phi Phi was also hit hard by the devastating tsunami in 2004. The half island was then swept away by meters high monster waves. Then there were many victims to regret. The island in the south of Thailand is also popular with Dutch people.

'The situation is now quiet again on Wednesday, although there is a risk of collapse and a risk due to, for example, loose power cables. Authorities inspect everything and do emergency repairs as much as possible. Even the tourists who still have a hotel, pick up the thread again. Life goes on ', says Muller.