Chaiyaphum: A spectacular firework exploded in mid-air during the Boon Duean 6 festival in Ban Huai Tha Khilek, Chaturat District, Chaiyaphum Province. Fragments of the exploding PVC pipe scattered throughout the area, and one foreigner was injured by the shrapnel.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident occurred when villagers from various regions gathered at the festival held in a rice field at Kok Hua Nong Daeng to launch rockets as part of a traditional practice to predict the future and pray for rain. The event, which commences in the morning and continues until the afternoon, saw the launching of small, large, and giant fireworks as offerings to Phraya Thaen.
The organizing committee had launched giant fireworks to compete for prize money. These fireworks were purchased by sponsors as offerings to Chao Pho Phaya Borom Anuwong Chai Chana, a deity revered for protecting Som Poi Subdistrict. However, during the launch of an 8-inch diameter giant firework, it exploded with a loud bang in mid-air, causing widespread panic among villagers and gamblers.
Although no one in the immediate vicinity was injured, a German tourist watching the event sustained injuries to his legs and arms from the shrapnel. Emergency personnel provided first aid, and fire trucks were deployed to spray water at the explosion site to prevent the fire from spreading to the surrounding grassland and nearby gardens.
The festival, a long-standing tradition, has prompted organizers to cordon off the area to prevent similar accidents. Despite the incident, only minor injuries were reported, and stricter preventative measures are being implemented to avoid future occurrences.