Chiang Mai: Explosion at longan plantation claims three lives

Tragedy struck a longan plantation in Ban Chai Ngam village of Mae Waen subdistrict, Phrao district, Chiang Mai yesterday when an explosion claimed the lives of three workers.

The incident occurred as they were making a flowering stimulant mixture, resulting in an immediate fatality for two female workers – one Thai and one from Myanmar. Another worker, a man from Myanmar, succumbed to his injuries later that night.

The explosion took place in a solitary single-storey building situated in the heart of a longan plantation, approximately 500 metres away from the nearest settlement. At the moment of the blast, the workers were engaged in combining 75 kilogrammes of potassium chlorate with 50 kilogrammes of urea, a concoction intended to stimulate the flowering of longan.

The force of the explosion obliterated the building and damaged two vehicles parked nearby, reported Bangkok Post.

Warut Visitsilp, the Chief Officer of Phrao District, undertook a thorough examination of the explosion site. He revealed that potassium chlorate had been utilised to induce the flowering of longan trees within the orchard.

Moreover, he announced that forensic investigators would re-examine the residence today. Their objective is to discern the root cause of the explosion and ascertain whether the potassium chlorate, a substance employed in the production of certain munitions and pyrotechnics, had been stored appropriately.

Warut emphasised the significance of ensuring proper storage practices for materials like potassium chlorate, which possess dual applications in agriculture and potentially hazardous industries.

This unfortunate event echoes a similar incident from 1999 when a powerful explosion involving potassium chlorate occurred in the San Patong district.

In related news, in August, a tank containing chemicals exploded in the Bang Bon district of Bangkok. The accident occurred at Chalermchaicharn Co, a printing ink factory when the tank suddenly burst. The incident did not result in any significant injuries or fatalities. Read more about this story HERE.