Over 20 Killed in Thailand Fireworks Factory Explosion

Thailand – More than 20 people have died after an explosion at a fireworks factory in central Thailand on Wednesday, the provincial governor said.

Images shared by the local rescue service showed metal debris littered on the ground, and a huge plume of black smoke.

The blast occurred at around 3 p.m.  near Sala Khao township, in central Suphan Buri province.

“We received reports from EOD team that there were 23 confirmed dead,” said Nattapat Suwanprateep, Suphan Buri province governor, referencing the Explosive Ordinance Disposal group.

There was no indication of what may have caused the explosion.

However, Nattapat said officials were investigating what may have triggered the incident.

“The factory was operating legally with valid licences,” he said.

Police officers said the surrounding area had not been damaged.

“Glass windows on one house have been affected by the explosion but no other reports,” Nattapat said.

Police Lieutenant General Naiyawat Phademchid stated that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin – currently in Switzerland for the World Economic Forum –  had been informed of the incident. 

“Estimate of 20 deaths, however, we cannot confirm the official death toll," said the police officer, who is responsible for lower western
Thailand, as reported from Borneo Bulletin site. 

He said officials were sealing the surrounding area, and would begin to identify the bodies once the situation had stabilised, without going into further details.

“There were on average about 20 to 30 people working at this factory every day,” he informed. 

Srettha also ordered an investigation into whether the workshop was operating illegally, as well as the cause of the incident.