Blasts, fire at Saraburi fireworks factory spark evacuation
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Explosions erupted late yesterday evening at a fireworks factory in Saraburi's Kaeng Khoi district, causing no casualties but prompting an evacuation of residents within a five-kilometre radius.
More than 20 fire-engines rushed to the scene to contain fires in several structures in the Pacific Pyro Co Ltd compound. At the time of going to press, the fires had been brought under control, but one of the buildings – a warehouse – later collapsed, spreading the pungent odour of sulphur in the compound.
Police said the blasts, which occurred at 7.20pm, were likely the result of an accident. The explosions resulted in fires at two warehouses and two additional buildings in the 50-rai compound.
The company imports gunpowder from China and assembles fireworks. Owner Songchai Iamphoonsab could not be reached for comment by media or police as of press time last night.
Provincial police chief Pol Maj-General Chalit Preechaharn said the fire started in a front building housing the firm’s headquarters.
Governor Thaworn Phrommeechai said later that the fires had been brought under control and that the owner had arrived at the scene. He said the firm was ranked Thailand’s seventh safest in terms of fire safety. It employs 65 workers, none of whom were inside the buildings affected by the fires, he said.
