BANGKOK: As many as nine were killed and over 115 injured after an explosion at a fireworks store in a market in Thailand on Saturday.
The explosion in Sungai Kolok, on the Malaysian border, at about 15:00 local time is thought to have been caused by construction work. The local governor said that the situation is now under control.
9 Killed, 115 Wounded in Thailand Fireworks Store Blast
An initial probe indicates a “technical error” during steel welding was responsible for the explosion, the local officials said.
Video footage published in the local press showed a large smoke plume rising from the local market, with many shops, homes, and cars damaged by the force of the blast – including several on fire or with their rooves ripped off.
An eyewitness said he was at home when he heard a “loud noise and my whole home shook.”
AFP reported that Thailand’s construction industry has a very poor safety record, and deadly accidents are common in the country.
Earlier, two people died after a road bridge collapsed onto traffic during construction in Bangkok.
