BANGKOK: Twenty-three people died after an explosion at a fireworks factory in central Thailand on Wednesday, the provincial governor said.

       Images shared by the local rescue service showed metal debris littered on the ground, and a huge plume of black smoke. The blast occurred at around 3pm (0800 GMT) near Sala Khao township, in central Suphan Buri province.

       “We received reports from EOD team that there were 23 confirmed dead,” Nattapat Suwanprateep, Suphan Buri province governor, said, referencing the Explosive Ordinance Disposal group. There was no indication of what may have caused the explosion.

       However, Nattapat said officials were investigating what may have triggered the incident. “The factory was operating legally with valid licences,” he said.

       Police officers said the surrounding area had not been damaged.

       Police Lieutenant General Naiyawat Phad-emchid said Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin — currently in Switzerland for the World Economic Forum — had been informed of the incident.

       Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2024