One student was killed and several others were injured when a fire extinguisher burst during a fire evacuation drill, being held this morning (Friday) at the Rachawinit High School on Phitsanuloke Road in Bangkok.

Anusorn Pongkesa, an emergency worker, said after the incident that he suspects that the fire extinguisher tank was old and had been exposed to hot sunlight for hours.

Another emergency worker from the Ruamkatanyu foundation, Anyawut Phoampai, said that fire extinguisher cylinders are usually equipped with a valve, which will automatically activate if the pressure inside the tank gets too high.

He said there might be have been a technical problem with the mechanism, resulting in the tank bursting.

The deceased and other injured students were rushed to the nearest hospital, as police from Nang Lerng police station arrived at the school to investigate the incident.