(26 December) An explosion at an unlicensed firework factory in Suphan Buri province has reportedly killed 2 workers and injured 5 other victims.
Mr. Paitoon Saengsuwan and Mr. Manoch Suk-Ying were listed as the deceased victims. The incident also severely injured Ms. Pranom Chai-Int and Mr. Pitak Yaemmaneechai. Three other people reportedly suffered minor injuries.
According to Pol.Maj.Gen. Chatcharin Sawangwong, Chief of Suphanburi Provincial Police Station, the fire started in the house in Mueang district which operated as a family-owned firework factory.
Pol.Maj.Gen. Chatcharin said the house stored various kinds of fireworks at the time of the fire. The resulting explosion destroyed one house, six adjunct buildings, and two pick-up trucks. The total cost of the damage is expected to be as high as 3 million baht.
The owner of firework factory is currently applying for a permit to produce the fireworks and he has not received the license, yet he allowed the firework production to proceed, Pol.Maj.Gen. Chatcharin said.
The owner, Mr. Sujin Jah-pan, 60, who is also a member of Suantaeng Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, said that he heard the sound of numbers of explosions when he returned home.
Mr. Sujin has been charged with unauthorised possession of dangerous substances, and committing reckless action causing deaths of other people. The investigation is ongoing.
According to our correspondent, the same factory has also exploded on 9 June 2012. However, no death or injuries were reported in the incident.
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