Fire from Funeral Fireworks Destroys Van in Suphan Buri

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

A funeral ritual in Suphan Buri turned into a near disaster when fireworks lit to send off the deceased caused a blaze that destroyed a van, partially damaged another vehicle, and threatened nearby homes.

 

The incident occurred at 16:30 on December 29, in Don Chedi district, at a residence in Moo 3, Ban Don Thua. Emergency services, including fire crews from Don Chedi Municipality, responded promptly to reports of a fire at the rear of the property.

 

Upon arrival, they found flames engulfing a van, registered in Suphan Buri, and rapidly spreading to a nearby stack of hay bales. The fire was dangerously close to the house and cow sheds. With assistance from residents, including the use of a tractor to disperse the hay, firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control within 30 minutes.

 

Mrs. Yuan, 58, the homeowner, explained that the fire broke out during her mother-in-law’s funeral procession. The deceased, 82-year-old Mrs. Kantho, was being transported for cremation when fireworks were set off as part of a traditional ritual to honour the deceased’s spirit.

 

Although everything seemed fine initially, partway through the procession, neighbours alerted the family to a fire behind the house. The flames had ignited a parked van and lightly damaged a nearby black Toyota Fortuner, registered in Suphan Buri, which was saved from further damage after being moved in time.

 

Mrs. Yuan stated she bore no ill will towards those responsible for the fireworks, acknowledging it as an accident. However, she expressed concerns over the continuation of such practices, saying, “This custom has been followed for generations, but it’s clear that more caution is needed. I urge others organising funerals to take extra care if fireworks are involved.”

 

She added that the quick response of the fire department and neighbours helped avoid a larger catastrophe. If the fire had reached the nearby cow sheds, filled with straw, it could have spread to adjacent family homes.

 

Though no one was hurt, the incident serves as a stark warning about the risks of traditional practices if precautions are not taken.

 

-- 2024-12-30

 

 

[flyingtlger]

Play with fire......