Fireworks workshop explodes in central Thailand, killing at least 9

A powerful explosion at a fireworks manufacturing site in central Thailand's Suphan Buri province killed at least nine people yesterday (30 July), according to local authorities.

The blast occurred roughly 95 kilometers northwest of Bangkok, in the heart of Thailand's central rice-producing region. The exact cause of the explosion has yet to be determined.

The Samerkun Suphan Buri Rescue Foundation confirmed nine fatalities and reported that two individuals were critically injured and taken to hospital. Meanwhile, the provincial public relations office stated that one person was injured. Authorities have yet to determine how many people may still be missing.

Police Senior Sergeant Major Pinyo Chanmanee said the explosion took place inside a building used for fireworks production. However, it remains unclear whether the facility was officially licensed to manufacture fireworks.

Images and footage from the scene showed wooden structures completely destroyed, surrounded by green paddy fields.

This is not the first such incident in the area. A similar explosion in January 2024 in the same region killed approximately 20 people. In July 2023, a major blast at a fireworks warehouse in southern Thailand claimed at least 10 lives and injured more than 100 others.

Authorities are continuing investigations to determine the cause of Wednesday's deadly explosion.