Explosion in Suphan Buri leaves family injured, home destroyed

A devastating explosion has left a family in Suvarnabhumi, Suphan Buri, grappling with serious injuries and significant property damage after a homemade firework detonated. The blast occurred at the residence of 60 year old Bamrung Taengsopa, causing her severe injuries, including the loss of an arm.

Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, uncovering the extent of the destruction and potential legal repercussions for those involved in illegal fireworks production.

The incident took place at a single-storey house in Nong Ratchawat, Nong Ya Sai district. The force of the explosion destroyed the entire structure, shattering windows and doors, and leaving debris scattered throughout the property. Inside, a pool of blood marked where Bamrung, the homeowner and firework assembler, was found. She suffered severe injuries to her body, head, and eyes, necessitating urgent medical attention.

Bamrung’s son, Neramit Taengsopa, revealed that five family members lived in the house. On the morning of the explosion, Neramit and his partner were at the back of the house, while his mother worked alone at the front, assembling bird-scarer fireworks.

His father was out, and his son was at school. The peace was shattered by the loud explosion, prompting Neramit to rush to his mother’s aid. He found her gravely injured and quickly transported her to Nong Ya Sai Hospital with the help of his father, who returned home just in time.

“My mother assembled fireworks for extra income, earning about 100 baht (US$3) per 1,000 units. Despite previous warnings, she continued to work to support the family. The incident has left us devastated, with our home and vehicles destroyed. We’re trying to cope with the aftermath.”

The Suphan Buri Provincial Police, led by Wacharin Prasobdee, have launched an investigation. Bomb disposal units and forensic teams have been deployed to secure the site and collect evidence. Preliminary findings revealed a quantity of grey gunpowder and approximately 1,000 empty firework casings at the scene. Police suspect that the explosion was caused by friction igniting the gunpowder.

Firework explosion

This event follows a previous arrest in August for illegal fireworks production. Despite ongoing inspections by local police and administrative officials, such activities continue, often justified by financial necessity.

The provincial officials, led by Deputy Governor Chettha Khawprasert, have convened urgent meetings to implement strict measures against illegal fireworks manufacturing.

“We’ve conducted an urgent review and are enforcing strict measures to prevent further incidents. While frequent inspections and arrests are made, some residents persist in these dangerous activities, citing the need to support their families. We urge them to stop before more lives are endangered.”

In response to the tragedy, local welfare teams and psychologists have been dispatched to provide emotional support to the affected family. Necessities, including dry food supplies, have been distributed, and considerations for rebuilding the damaged home are underway, reported KhaoSod.

The provincial administration has issued a 24-hour mandate for local leaders to inspect and warn residents against illegal fireworks production, with legal action promised for non-compliance. Suphan Buri province currently does not issue permits for the production or sale of fireworks or hazardous materials.