Deadly blast linked to illegal activity

Fireworks factory 'broke safety rules'

- POST REPORTERS

Officials have confirmed that a deadly explosion at a fireworks factory in Suphan Buri, which killed 10 people, stemmed from an unauthorised operation that violated safety regulations.

"The site did not have a licence or equipment for such a hazardous activity. Workers were found to be manually packing explosive materials," Piriya Chanthadilok, the provincial governor, said yesterday.

The blast occurred on Wednesday at a house in Moo 1, Ban Pho Tha Sai, in Muang district. The house was allegedly used as a makeshift facility for manufacturing ball fireworks without official authorisation.

The bodies of the victims are undergoing forensic identification, while police continue to gather evidence and question witnesses.