In the aftermath of a fatal fire drill accident on Friday, Rachawinit School will remain closed on Monday and Tuesday. One student was killed and ten other students and firemen were injured when a fire extinguisher tank ruptured.

The school director, Thepparith Yodsai, ordered the closure of the school as a special case, saying that the tragic loss of life has seriously affected the morale of students, teachers and parents alike.

The director said that the school administration wants to make sure that the school buildings and its environment are ready and safe for the normal resumption of classes.

It is thought that the fire extinguisher ruptured due to an increase in internal pressure, caused by being exposed to direct sunlight for hours, and the failure of the valve. The force of the explosion flung the body of a student about ten metres from where he was sitting. He died at the scene.

Atthaphon Sangkhawasee, the education permanent secretary, said yesterday (Friday) that the Education Ministry will compensate the students who were injured and the parents of the student who died in the incident.

He added that he has ordered his office to instruct all provincial educational offices to ensure safety for students in all schools where fire drills are to be carried out.

Three of the firemen who conducted the drill are to be charged with negligence, according to police.