Suphan Buri, Thailand – A devastating explosion at a fireworks factory in central Thailand claimed the lives of 20 people on Wednesday, as reported by the government’s disaster relief agency. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation also noted injuries stemming from the incident but did not provide specific numbers. The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation, with officials working to secure the site in Suphan Buri province and assist those affected.
Situated approximately 95 kilometers northwest of Bangkok, Suphan Buri finds itself in the heart of Thailand’s central rice-growing region. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who is currently attending the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, was informed of the tragedy through a video call with the regional police commander. The commander disclosed that there were 20 to 30 workers in the factory at the time of the explosion, and none of them could be located.
Kritsada Manee-In of the Samerkun Suphan Buri Rescue Foundation stated that it was challenging to provide an exact casualty count due to the fragmentation of the bodies. Eyewitness photos shared on social media depicted a thick plume of black smoke billowing from the blast site, with the factory grounds reduced to rubble and scattered body parts.
The tragic event is not an isolated incident, as it follows a similar explosion at the same factory in November of last year, which resulted in the death of one worker and critical injuries to three others. Now, authorities are pledging to pursue legal action for any potential neglect or wrongdoing.
The timing of the explosion, just weeks before the Chinese New Year in February, is notable due to the surge in demand for fireworks during the holiday season. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with the production and storage of fireworks, particularly in the midst of high-demand periods.
In July of last year, a separate explosion at a fireworks warehouse in southern Thailand led to 10 fatalities and over 100 injuries, with damage extending to approximately 100 houses within a 500-meter radius. The governor of Narathiwat province attributed the blast to construction work within the warehouse, sparking a fire that eventually triggered the explosion of the stored fireworks.
The devastating impact of these incidents underscores the urgent need for stringent safety measures and regulations within the fireworks industry, as the nation grapples with the repercussions once again.