Large explosion at a fireworks warehouse in Thailand kills at least 10 people

A fireman sprays water after an explosion at a firework warehouse in Narathiwat province southern Thailand. Photo / AP

A large explosion at a fireworks warehouse in southern Thailand on Saturday killed at least 10 people and wounded dozens, officials said.

The Narathiwat province’s Public Relations Department also said that at least 118 people were hurt, and that residents of more than 200 households were affected. It said that officials believe there are still a number of people trapped under the debris waiting to be rescued.

People speak on their phones in front of a house damaged by an explosion at a firework warehouse in Narathiwat. Photo / AP

Videos posted on social media from the site show a huge plume of smoke over the area and many damaged structures, cars and motorbikes, as well as streets covered with debris. Many of the houses and other buildings have collapsed roofs and walls.

The local public relations agency reported that the explosion caused damages in a radius of about 500 meters. About 100 residences in the area were damaged, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

Thai Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel examine the site of an explosion at a firework warehouse. Photo / AP

Sanan Pongaksorn, the provincial governor, told public broadcaster Thai PBS that the blast was likely ignited by construction work that was taking place in the warehouse, with sparks from metal welding causing the fireworks stored inside to catch fire and explode.