A rescue worker stated that an explosion at a fireworks factory in central Thailand on Wednesday killed at least 18 people.
“Eighteen people were found dead, confirmed”, the rescue worker stated, adjusting his initial estimate of 20.
The explosion occurred at approximately 3:00 p.m. (0800 GMT) in Sala Khao township in central Suphan Buri province.
Police said they were still investigating the official death toll.
“There were deaths, and we are investigating how many people died”, police colonel Theerapoj Rawangban said.
“We do not see more damage toward other houses or people who live in the (nearby) community”, Rawangban continued.
There was no indication of what could have triggered the explosion at the factory.
The local rescue agency tweeted images of metal wreckage on the ground and a massive column of black smoke.
Explosions at firecracker and pyrotechnic manufacturing facilities are not rare in Thailand.
Last year, an explosion in a fireworks warehouse in Sungai Kolok town, southern Narathiwat province, killed ten people and injured over 100 others.
The Southeast Asian monarchy also has a dismal safety record in the construction industry, where fatal accidents are prevalent.
