BANGKOK, Thailand – An explosion at a fireworks factory in central Thailand has resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 15 individuals, as reported by a rescue worker on Wednesday. The exact number of casualties has not been confirmed, but local rescue workers estimate the death toll to be between 15 to 17 people. Photos shared online by local rescue workers in Suphan Buri province depicted a site in an unoccupied rice field, completely leveled except for debris and body parts.
The cause of the blast remains unclear, but it has occurred less than a month before the annual Chinese New Year in February, when the demand for fireworks typically rises. This incident is reminiscent of a similar tragedy in July last year, when a large explosion at a fireworks warehouse in southern Thailand resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people and injured over 100 others.
The explosion in Narathiwat province last year caused damage to approximately 100 houses in a residential area within a radius of about 500 meters. According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the governor of Narathiwat suggested that the blast was likely ignited by construction work taking place in the warehouse, with sparks from metal welding triggering the fireworks stored inside to catch fire and explode.
Given the devastating impact of these explosions, it is clear that there is an urgent need for stricter safety measures and regulations to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The loss of life and destruction caused by these incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with the production and storage of fireworks. The authorities must ensure that proper safety protocols are in place to protect the workers and surrounding communities from such catastrophic events.