A large explosion of a firecracker warehouse at Muno Market, Su-ngai Kolok District, Narathiwat Province, Saturday, July 29, at 3:20 p.m., killed 9 persons and injured 115 others who were sent to Sungai Kolok Hospital for treatment. It is also expected that a number of people are still trapped beneath the debris of houses.
There are 40 households affected, including more than 100 people. The officials prepared the Muno Subdistrict Administrative Organization Sports Center as a temporary shelter for people.
Sanan Pongaksorn, the governor of Narathiwat said the blast was likely ignited by construction work that was taking place in the warehouse, with flares from metal welding causing the fireworks stored inside to catch fire and explode.
One resident stated that he was resting at home when he heard a loud boom, followed by continuous explosions reminiscent of a war. He was certain it was not a terrorist attack, so he ran outside to witness the detonation that destroyed the houses.
The calamity in the Muno Market area, which was caused by the carelessness of some operators, left him devastated. This is a significant border market in the Su-ngai Kolok District, which typically opens on Monday evenings and Fridays, with a very high market value from Malaysian tourists and other Thai people.
According to Lt. Gen. Achayon Kraithong, a spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, investigators were awaiting detailed results of evidence and whose negligence, as well as inspecting all areas that had been granted permission to conduct business in relation to the possession and sale of fireworks, to reduce the likelihood of further shocking incidents.
Previously, on July 24, a fireworks factory in Ban San Thung Mai, San Pu Loei Subdistrict, Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province, exploded. More than ten people were hurt, and 36 homes and businesses were destroyed. An 87-year-old woman who was entirely burned died on July 28.
