Firework Blast at Funeral Seriously Injures Man, 66

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

A 66-year-old man was seriously injured when a firework exploded during a funeral ceremony at a temple in Ang Thong province, leaving him with catastrophic injuries to his right arm. The blast occurred in the afternoon of 24 January and prompted an urgent emergency response. Rescue workers provided first aid before transferring the victim to hospital for critical treatment.

Police said the incident happened at about 15:30 at Wat Ngiew Rai in Moo 7 of Yang Sai subdistrict, Pho Thong district. Officers from Rammasak police station were alerted to a fireworks incident involving a single victim. By the time police arrived, rescue personnel had already moved the injured man to Pho Thong Hospital.

The victim was identified as Somyot Sabaiprae, aged 66. Officials said he sustained severe injuries to his right arm, extending from the shoulder down to the hand. A volunteer rescuer described the damage as extensive, with the arm almost severed by the explosion.

According to an account given by Somyot to authorities, the injury occurred while he was lighting fireworks as part of traditional funeral rites. One of the fireworks failed to ignite as expected. When he reached into the tube to inspect it, the device detonated.

Nattapol Boonprasop, a volunteer with the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, said he was called to an area behind the temple’s crematorium. He found the victim with severe injuries and administered first aid at the scene. The man was then rushed to hospital for urgent medical care.

Police Lt. Col. Sutthi Thuenyai, a deputy investigation officer, said officers were collecting evidence at the temple grounds. Investigators are examining the remains of the firework and the surrounding area to determine the precise cause of the explosion. The inquiry is being conducted in line with legal procedures.

The incident highlights the risks associated with the use of fireworks during ceremonial events. While fireworks are commonly used in funerals and religious ceremonies in parts of Thailand, accidents can result in severe injury when devices malfunction. Authorities did not immediately say whether charges would be filed or whether safety regulations had been breached.

Khoasod reported that police said further updates would depend on the outcome of the investigation. The victim remains under medical care and officials are expected to review findings once evidence gathering is complete.

Key Takeaways

• A 66-year-old man, Somyot Sabaiprae, was critically injured by a firework explosion at a funeral in Ang Thong.

• The blast occurred at Wat Ngiew Rai on 24 January when a firework detonated as he checked a misfire.

• Police are investigating the cause and gathering evidence in accordance with legal procedures.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-26