Shocking new video footage shows the illicit fireworks factory in Thailand reduced to a shell after a massive explosion left one man dead and three more injured
Chilling new footage shows the devastating aftermath after an illegal fireworks factory exploded in deadly fireball.
One worker was killed and three others were seriously injured when the facility, which had an expired licence, went up in flames in central Thailand this morning. Workers were reportedly manufacturing pyrotechnics for the upcoming Lunar New Year when the stock ignited at the warehouse in Suphanburi province, around 70 miles north of the capital Bangkok. The blast ripped through the building, which was mostly made out of wood, at around 7.52am local time (11.52pm GMT).
Police arriving at the scene found the body of 58-year-old Saneh Thongsrilang. Three others – Chaiya Kaewboondee, 38, Wiroj Plerdplern, 58, and Amnat Phophan, 49, were rushed to hospital with critical injuries.
Video captured at the scene shows burnt debris scattered across the property, with only the wooden frame and supporting pillars left standing.Police are now investigating the cause of the explosion and have begun questioning the owner of the building.
A warning issued to local residents on social media by Suphan Buri emergency services said: “Make way for rescue vehicles. There is currently a fireworks explosion incident in Ban Dong Kra Chao, Rai Rot subdistrict. Please give way to officials immediately!”
A later update confirmed that the fire had been brought under control, and that the nearby Dong Krachao Buddhist temple had not been damaged. Speaking of his worry over incidents linked to fireworks production in the area, one local resident commented: “I understand that it’s a job, but I don’t want the people of Suphanburi to produce fireworks anymore. I want brothers and sisters to be safe and I want the fireworks production to end – for the safety of the producers and owners.”
Illegal fireworks factory explosions have been a recurring issue in Thailand for several decades as result of lax enforcement of safety regulations, a thriving black economy, and a lack of resources in rural areas In July, another illegal fireworks factory in Suphanburi exploded, killing nine people and injuring five others. Police found bodies of residents who had been working in the property scattered among the debris. Six were buried in rubble while three others that were thrown by the force were in a nearby field. Several other injured victims were rushed to hospital. Officials said the warehouse was operating without a licence. In Narathiwat province in 2023, an explosion at an illegal fireworks warehouse killed at least 12 people, injured more than 120 others, and destroyed more than 200 homes and buildings.