Suphan Buri, Thailand – At least 23 people were killed in an explosion at a fireworks factory in central Thailand on Wednesday, according to provincial officials. The blast, which occurred in mid-afternoon, resulted in a high death toll, as authorities from Suphan Buri province confirmed. The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation, with officials working to secure the site and provide assistance to those affected.
The factory’s location in Suphan Buri, about 95 kilometers northwest of Bangkok, is in the heart of Thailand’s central rice-growing region. The explosion occurred just weeks before the Chinese New Year in February, a time when demand for fireworks typically increases.
Rescue workers at the site have reported that no survivors have been found, contradicting earlier statements that wounded individuals had been recovered. Kritsada Manee-In, a rescue worker with the Samerkun Suphan Buri Rescue Foundation, remarked that the exact count of casualties was difficult due to the condition of the bodies.
In a grim reminder of previous incidents, the national police chief confirmed reports of another explosion at the same factory in November 2022 which resulted in one death and three serious injuries. Legal action will be pursued for any wrongdoing involved, according to the police chief.
This tragic event is not an isolated occurrence, as it follows a large explosion at a fireworks warehouse in southern Thailand in July last year, which claimed the lives of at least 10 people and injured over 100. The proximity of the factory to residential areas highlights the potential dangers associated with such facilities and the need for stringent safety measures.