23 die in Thailand factory explosion

164

BANGKOK: An explosion at a fireworks factory in central Thailand killed at least 23 persons on Wednesday.

The toll was announced by authorities with Suphan Buri province, where the blast occurred in mid-afternoon.

The cause of the explosion is being investigated. The blast came less than a month before Chinese New Year in February, when demand for fireworks is strong.

Rescue workers at the scene said no survivors had been found. Photos posted on social media showed a thick plume of black smoke over the scene.