30-7-2023 (BANGKOK) The death toll from a devastating explosion that leveled an unlicensed fireworks warehouse in southern Thailand has risen to at least 10, as authorities continue their search for the owner on charges of negligence.
The powerful blast occurred on Saturday afternoon in the town of Sungai Kolok and is believed to have been triggered by welding work being conducted on a building where fireworks were stored illegally.
Rescue workers have been tirelessly sifting through the debris, but only twisted metal beams now stand where the warehouse once was. The explosion left more than 100 people injured, and local media has reported significant damage to hundreds of homes in the area.
Narathiwat provincial governor Sanan Pongaksorn confirmed the death toll on Sunday, stating that 10 people have been identified, and parts of two bodies are yet to be identified. Forensics will conduct DNA tests to establish their identities.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the explosion and believe that the building was not licensed to store fireworks. The police commander in Narathiwat, Police Major General Chalermporn Khamkhiew, revealed that firecrackers had been delivered shortly before the blast. Investigators are now determining whether the transportation of the firecrackers was legal or illegal, and so far, no license for the possession or sale of firecrackers has been found.
The explosion was reportedly caused by approximately 1,000 kilograms of gunpowder, resulting in two holes about 2 meters deep and 6 meters wide. Colonel Suthawet Thareethai, the police chief in Muno district, confirmed that a summons has been issued to the factory owner on charges of negligence, which led to the tragic accident.
Authorities have set up a command center near the incident site, and they have already received 365 complaints from people who were injured or had their homes and properties damaged in the explosion. Some government offices and private schools were also affected.
The army has pledged to provide manpower and equipment to aid in the recovery and clean-up operations. The situation is still precarious for some as the condition of those who remain hospitalized is not yet known.
Eyewitnesses recounted the terrifying moment of the explosion, describing a massive boom that shook the ground and caused chaos in the surrounding area. Explosions at fireworks workshops are not uncommon in Thailand, and this tragic incident comes just five days after another fireworks factory explosion injured 11 people in northern Chiang Mai city.
