BANGKOK – At least 23 people were killed in central Thailand in an explosion on Jan 17 at a fireworks factory.

The incident occurred at around 3pm in Suphan Buri province, about 120km north of Bangkok.

“We received reports from the EOD team that there were 23 confirmed dead,” Suphan Buri Governor Nattapat Suwanprateep told AFP news agency, referring to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal group.

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

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

Police Lieutenant-General Naiyawat Phademchid said officials were sealing the surrounding area, and were set to identify the bodies once the situation had stabilised.

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

Mr Nattapat said there seemed to be no damage within the surrounding area.

“Glass windows of one house have been affected by the explosion, but (there were) no other reports,” he said.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was briefed on the explosion while at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and urged a swift investigation.

“The Prime Minister ordered an inspection of the plant to see if it was operating legally and if the explosion was caused by negligence,” Mr Srettha’s office said in a statement. “The law must be enforced to the fullest extent because there are innocent deaths and injuries.”

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

Explosions at workshops producing firecrackers and other pyrotechnics are not uncommon in Thailand.

Ten people died, and more than 100 were injured, after an explosion in a firework warehouse in Sungai Kolok town in southern Narathiwat province in 2023.

Thailand also has a poor safety record in the construction sector and deadly accidents are common. AFP, REUTERS