Thai Police Colonel in Hot Water Over Sales Promotion Scandal

[Georgealbert]

 

 

Tragedy struck a village gathering in Kalasin Province as a fireworks explosion claimed the lives of four individuals and injured seven others while they prepared for a Kathin festival celebration. The incident occurred around 20:00 on October 25, in the village of Kao Noi, Kamalasai district.

 

Police Lieutenant Colonel Bancha Nachairit from the Kamalasai Police Station received an urgent call reporting the explosion. He was accompanied to the scene by Police Colonel Theerawut Wongsa-un, Police Lieutenant Colonel Praphon Poojomnil, and local rescue and medical teams.

 

The explosion occurred near the public reservoir of the village, where two individuals were found dead at the scene. Both victims suffered severe injuries, with body parts scattered due to the explosion's force. The deceased men were identified as Satit Sripongying, aged 75 and Eksit Sriha, aged 34, from Chao Tha Subdistrict.

 

Two other individuals, later died from their injuries in hospital, both males, Boonchuay Khammoonnam, aged 65 and Sayan Phattanasan, aged 43 and from Chao Tha Subdistrict.

 

Seven others sustained injuries; four were seriously hurt and three suffered minor injuries. All were promptly transported to Kamalasai Hospital.

 

The explosion severely damaged a nearby motorbike with a sidecar and left personal belongings, including shoes and clothing, strewn across the scene. Preliminary investigations revealed that the group had brought a handmade firework rocket, measuring 170 centimetres in height and 15 centimetres in diameter, intending to launch it as part of the village's Kathin festival.

 

The explosion occurred about a kilometre from the festival site, where traditional entertainment was scheduled. Witnesses reported that before the blast, the deceased were preparing the firework using metal tools, despite warnings from nearby villagers concerned about the potential danger of sparks.

 

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

 

Picture from emergency responders.

-- 2024-10-26