5 Thais killed in firework explosion

Five villagers were killed and 12 injured when a home-made firework exploded during celebrations in northeast Thailand.

Five villagers were killed and 12 injured when a home-made firework exploded during celebrations in northeast Thailand, police said Saturday.

HT Image

The accident occurred Friday night in Roi Et province, 500 kilometres (315 miles) northeast of Bangkok, Lieutenant Colonel Netitham Chantra said.

"It was caused by a banger firework lit in the rice field to mark the end of Buddhist lent," he told AFP by telephone, explaining that the firework exploded on the ground instead of firing into the air.

Netitham said all the victims were men and some of the injured had already been discharged from hospital.