BANGKOK, Thailand – A deadly explosion at a fireworks factory in central Thailand has claimed the lives of at least 15 people, according to a rescue worker. The exact death toll remains unclear, but local media have reported varying figures. The blast left the factory site, located in an otherwise empty rice field, completely flattened, with debris and body parts scattered around.
Kritsada Manee-In, a rescue worker with the Samerkun Suphan Buri Rescue Foundation, estimated that around 15 to 17 people had been killed in the explosion. The cause of the blast is currently unknown, and the incident occurred less than a month before the strong demand for fireworks leading up to Chinese New Year in February.
Last July, a similar explosion at a fireworks warehouse in southern Thailand resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people and left more than 100 others injured. The explosion, which took place in Narathiwat province, caused extensive damage to approximately 100 houses within a 1,640-foot radius. Officials at the time attributed the blast to construction work igniting sparks from metal welding, causing the fireworks stored inside the warehouse to catch fire and explode.
These incidents highlight the dangers associated with fireworks production and storage, and the devastating impact that explosions can have on surrounding areas. The fact that both explosions occurred in the context of preparing for significant cultural celebrations adds further tragedy to the events. The local implications of these incidents are significant, as they directly impact the affected communities and highlight the need for stricter safety regulations and oversight in fireworks production and storage facilities.