The death toll in the fireworks warehouse explosion and fire, in Su-ngai Kolok district of Thailand’s southernmost province of Narathiwat, increased to 12 today (Sunday). Ten of the survivors are still in hospital, while 98 others have been discharged, according to Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong, the permanent secretary of public health.
Of the 10 still in hospital, six are female, two male and two are children. They have injuries to their faces, heads and bodies.
Dr. Opart said that he has ordered medical staff from 13 districts to be sent to Su-ngai Kolok district hospital to provide psychiatric support to people traumatised by the incident and others who may develop respiratory and digestive symptoms or irritations of the skin and eyes, as a result of exposure to chemicals released in the explosion and subsequent fire.
The explosion also damaged to about 200 houses close to the warehouse in Muno sub-district, a hospital, a police station and the sub-district administrative organisation’s office.
According to an initial police report, the explosion was caused by sparks from a welding torch, as a worker was trying to repair a shelf in the warehouse.
