Object Explodes at Scrapyard, Killing One and Seriously Injuring Four

Pictures from responders. Possible second explosive device at scene.

An explosion rocked a scrapyard in Nakhon Ratchasima province during the morning of 18 March, leaving one person dead and four others seriously injured. Authorities are investigating the cause of the blast, which is believed to have been triggered by an unidentified explosive device.

The incident occurred at approximately 08:30, in Ban Non Si Thong, Moo 14, Udomsap Subdistrict, Wang Nam Khiao District, when workers were unloading scrap materials from a pickup truck parked in front of the shop. The truck, a Toyota with a Buriram registration plate, bore a sticker reading “Saijai Recycling.”

As the scrap was being moved, a sudden and violent explosion sent the workers flying in different directions, leaving them lying injured in pools of blood. One man was killed instantly, suffering catastrophic blast injuries, including the loss of his arms and severe burns to his face. The other four victims, two men and twowomen, sustained critical injuries and were rushed to Wang Nam Khiao Hospital for emergency treatment.

Police from Udomsap Police Station, along with explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) units, forensic teams from the Scientific Crime Detection Division 3, and rescue volunteers from Hook 31 Korat, responded swiftly to the scene.

Upon arrival, authorities cordoned off the area to conduct an initial investigation and ensure public safety. Disturbingly, an additional unexploded device resembling a grenade was discovered at the site. Bomb disposal experts neutralised any remaining threats.

According to early reports, residents of Ban Non Si Thong claimed that scrap collectors had unknowingly brought in old explosive ordnance to extract metal for resale. While this practice is not uncommon in Thailand, it is highly dangerous, as unexploded munitions can remain volatile for decades.

Authorities have yet to confirm the exact nature of the device that detonated. The EOD team is currently examining the remnants of the explosion to determine whether it was a discarded military explosive, a homemade device, or industrial ordnance.

The area was sealed off as investigators gathered forensic evidence and interviewed witnesses. Officials have urged scrap collectors and recycling businesses to exercise extreme caution when handling unidentified metal objects, particularly those that could be remnants of explosive devices.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over the dangers of unregulated scrap collection in Thailand, where abandoned ordnance from past conflicts or military use occasionally resurfaces in unsuspecting hands.

-- 2025-03-19