At least nine people were killed and more than 100 injured when flares, firecrackers and other pyrotechnics, being kept in a warehouse in Su-ngai Kolok district of Thailand’s Narathiwat province, exploded this afternoon (Saturday).

Initial reports said about 100 houses surrounding the warehouse, which belongs to Weerawat Phanich storage in Muno sub-district, were also badly damaged by the force of the explosions and ensuing fire, which could be seen from some distance away.

Witnesses said people were trapped inside the warehouse structure when the explosion occurred. The owner of the warehouse is, however, away for the long weekend.

The emergency services’ attempts to extinguish the blaze were impeded by continuing pyrotechnic detonations.