BANGKOK, Thailand – A devastating explosion at a fireworks factory in central Thailand resulted in the loss of at least 15 lives on Wednesday, according to a rescue worker. The exact number of casualties was not immediately confirmed, but it was estimated that the death toll could be between 15 to 17 people. Gruesome images posted online by local rescue workers in Suphan Buri province depicted the aftermath, showing the site completely leveled, with debris and body parts scattered across an otherwise empty rice field.
The cause of the explosion was not immediately clear, but it comes at a time of increased demand for fireworks due to the upcoming Chinese New Year in February. This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the dangers associated with fireworks production and storage.
This is not the first time such a catastrophe has occurred in Thailand. A similar explosion at a fireworks warehouse in Narathiwat province last year resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people and left over 100 wounded. The governor of Narathiwat attributed that explosion to construction work being carried out in the warehouse, leading to a fatal chain reaction that caused devastation in the surrounding residential area.
The recurring nature of such incidents raises questions about the safety regulations and oversight in place for the fireworks industry in Thailand. It also highlights the need for stricter enforcement of safety protocols to prevent further tragedies from occurring in the future.
The authorities are expected to launch an investigation into the cause of this latest explosion. It remains to be seen what measures will be taken to ensure the safety of fireworks production and storage facilities in the country, and to prevent similar disasters from happening again.