Thai fireworks factory explosion kills 18

At least 18 people have died in an explosion at a fireworks factory in central Thailand.

The blast occurred at around 3:00 pm (0800 GMT) on Wednesday near Sala Khao township, in central Suphan Buri province, a rescue worker said.

“Eighteen found dead, confirmed,” the rescue worker said, revising down his earlier estimate of 20.

There was no indication of what may have caused the explosion.

Images shared by the local rescue service showed metal debris littered on the ground, and a huge plume of black smoke.

Explosions at workshops producing firecrackers and other pyrotechnics are not uncommon in Thailand.