BANGKOK, Thailand: A devastating explosion at a fireworks factory in central Thailand has resulted in the loss of at least 23 lives, as reported by rescue workers on Wednesday. The exact number of casualties is still being determined, but Kritsada Manee-In, a rescue worker with the Samerkun Suphan Buri Rescue Foundation, estimated the death toll to be around 23. Local media sources have provided varying numbers, creating a sense of uncertainty surrounding the tragedy.
Disturbing photos posted online by local rescue workers in Suphan Buri province displayed the aftermath of the explosion, with the site being leveled flat in an otherwise unoccupied rice field, scattered with debris and body parts. The cause of the blast remains unknown, leaving the community in shock and grieving for the lives lost in this tragic accident.
The timing of the explosion, which occurred less than a month before Chinese New Year in February, has raised concerns, as the demand for fireworks typically increases during this festive period. The incident is a stark reminder of the dangers associated with the production and storage of fireworks, calling for stricter safety regulations and enforcement in these facilities.
This unfortunate event is reminiscent of a similar tragedy in July last year, when a massive explosion at a fireworks warehouse in southern Thailand claimed the lives of at least 10 people and injured over 100 others. The destruction caused by the explosion in Narathiwat province was substantial, with around 100 houses damaged within a 500-meter radius as reported by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
According to the Narathiwat governor, the blast in the warehouse was believed to have been triggered by construction work, with sparks from metal welding igniting the fireworks stored inside, leading to the catastrophic explosion. These incidents highlight the importance of stringent safety measures and proper handling of fireworks to prevent further devastating accidents in the future.