Artillery shell explosion in Kanchanaburi injures three during scrap metal sort

A startling incident occurred in Kanchanaburi province when a large artillery shell exploded and injured three individuals. The blast happened as a couple who bought scrap metal were sorting through a bag, unaware of the explosive device hidden among the debris.

The explosion also injured a 66 year old homeowner, leaving all three in shock and requiring immediate medical attention.

According to the local police department in Phanom Thuan, Kanchanaburi, the incident took place at a residence in the area of Moo 17, Nong Rong, Phanom Thuan. The emergency response team, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit from the 13th Military Circle at Phra Phutthayotfa Camp and the Moolrattanawut Rescue Foundation, were promptly dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival, they discovered three injured individuals: the homeowner, 66 year old Sanit, suffered facial and right foot injuries, 29 year old Yupin, a scrap buyer, had several shrapnel wounds across her body, including a severed pinky finger. Her partner, 33 year old Kraisorn, another scrap buyer, was injured on his left arm. The team provided initial medical care before urgently transferring them to a hospital, reported KhaoSod.

Rungreung, Yupin’s older sister, revealed that her sister and Kraisorn typically purchased scrap metal in the Tha Kradan area, Sri Sawat district. However, they unexpectedly ended up in Nong Rong area, Phanom Thuan.

Following the blast, Yupin informed her sister about the incident, explaining that she was injured after unintentionally detonating a large artillery shell that was mixed in with the scrap metal they had purchased.

The homeowner, Sanit, explained that the artillery shell was collected from a military training ground, locally referred to as Khao Yai. Locals often collected shells from the area, but this sudden explosion was unprecedented. After the incident, the EOD team found an additional three to four unexploded shells at the scene. Consequently, the area was cordoned off, and the team successfully disposed of the remaining explosives.

In the wake of this event, the team issued a stern warning to locals who frequently pick up large artillery shells from the training ground to sell by the kilogramme. They advised against collecting intact, unexploded shells due to the inherent risk of explosion at any time.

It was recommended that any sightings of such shells should be promptly reported to the police or local leaders, who would then coordinate with the EOD team for safe removal.