BANGKOK, Thailand – A tragic explosion occurred at a fireworks factory in central Thailand, resulting in the death of at least 15 people on Wednesday, according to a rescue worker. The exact death toll was not immediately clear, but the Samerkun Suphan Buri Rescue Foundation estimated the number of casualties to be around 15 to 17 people. Pictures shared online by local rescue workers in Suphan Buri province showed the devastating aftermath of the explosion, with the site leveled flat except for debris and body parts.
The cause of the blast was not immediately known, and it occurred less than a month before Chinese New Year in February, a time when the demand for fireworks typically increases. Last year in July, another explosion at a fireworks warehouse in southern Thailand resulted in the death of at least 10 people and left over 100 others injured.
The previous explosion took place in Narathiwat province and was located in a residential area, causing damage to approximately 100 houses within a 1,640-foot radius. Officials indicated that the blast was likely initiated by construction work in the warehouse, where sparks from metal welding ignited the stored fireworks, causing them to catch fire and explode.
The recent explosion in central Thailand serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers associated with the fireworks industry, especially during peak demand periods. The devastation caused by such incidents is a cause for concern and reinforces the need for stricter safety measures and regulations within the fireworks manufacturing and storage sector.
The authorities in Thailand are likely to face pressure to conduct thorough investigations into the cause of the explosion and to take appropriate action to prevent similar incidents in the future. This tragic event is a stark reminder of the risks faced by workers in the fireworks industry and the need for stringent safety protocols to be implemented and enforced.