Fireworks Factory In Thailand Explodes, 23 Dead

UNSPLASH ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - A total of 23 people were declared dead in an explosion at a fireworks factory in Suphanburi, Thailand.

Authorities are preparing to check the identities of those who died as a result of the explosion.

Officers attempted to move the bodies from the site of the explosion to a nearby temple, which functions as a rescue center for the victims of the explosion incident.

As reported by ANTARA from TNA-OANA, Thursday, January 18, authorities have closed the area and about 50 rescuers are combing the area to find the remains scattered.

In the latest developments, another body was found near a well near the site of the explosion. The forensic team and medical examiners are trying to identify and carefully transfer the body to Wat Rong Chang for further verification and then hand it over to their families.

At Wat Rong Chang, Lt. Gen. Naiyawat Phadermchit, Police Commander Region Seven, and his team gathered to coordinate with the forensic and rescue team.

Major General Watcharin Prasopdee, Police Commander of Suphanburi Province, together with the Explosives Weapons Disposal Team (EOD), conducted an inspection at the location to confirm the details of the incident.

Currently, 23 confirmed fatalities include women who own the factory and their sons.

Based on the examination of the factory's business license, the permit was obtained from Muang Regency on August 24, 2023, with the validity period expired on August 24, 2024, to produce and trade fireworks.

The factory had previously experienced an explosion on November 30, 2022, which resulted in one person dying and three workers being injured. However, damage only occurred in one workspace.

In this latest incident, the explosion had a radius of approximately 1-2 kilometers around the factory, causing severe damage.

Fortunately, because the location of the factory in the middle of the rice fields, the surrounding settlements were protected from damage.

However, concerns are increasing among local residents as there are 2-3 more fireworks factories in the vicinity, raising fears of potential explosions in the future.

Authorities have been urged to thoroughly investigate the safety protocols implemented at the facility to prevent further tragedy.