A Saturday explosion at a fireworks warehouse in a market in southern Thailand resulted in at least nine fatalities and more than 115 injuries.
It is believed that building work was what set off the explosion at Sungai Kolok, near the Malaysian border, at around 15:00 local time (09:00 BST).
According to the local governor, the market fire is currently under control.
According to a preliminary examination, a “technical error” during the welding of steel was to blame, according to Sanon Pongaksorn.
Several stores, homes, and cars were severely damaged by the intensity of the explosion, including several that were on fire or had their rooves torn off, according to footage that was released in local media. A massive smoke plume could be seen rising from the market.
Seksan Taesen, a witness who lives 100 metres (330 feet) from the market, reported hearing a “loud, thunderous noise and my whole house shook” while he was at home.
“I then noticed my roof was completely exposed. When I turned to look outside, I noticed a collapsed house and numerous individuals sprawled on the ground. Chaos reigned, he told AFP.
The safety record of Thailand’s construction sector is dismal, and fatal accidents are frequent.
A road bridge in Bangkok’s capital city collapsed onto traffic last month, killing two people.