An explosion in Bangkok’s Lat Pla Khao area in Lat Phrao district today left at least seven people dead and scores injured, with several nearby buildings damaged by the blast.
According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s Erawan Medical Centre, six people died at the scene. Nineteen were injured in the explosion occurring at a suburban scrap metal trader’s work area located at Soi Lat Pla Khao Soi 72 Yak 14.
The authorities said a suspected World War II bomb was sold to the shop and exploded at around 12.45pm today as workers tried to cut it open to scrap its metal parts for sale without realising that it was a live bomb.
Four of the injured were taken to Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital, eight were taken to Nopparat Ratchathani Hospital and another eight victims were taken to Mayo Hospital. One person reportedly died before reaching Mayo Hospital.
Meanwhile, blast victim Wanjai Kamlah told reporters that the explosion occurred while she was working at a gift shop export company next door to the blast spot. The explosion shattered her company’s window, wounding her and other workers.
The blast left a crater five metres wide and two me-tres deep. It also started a large fire which damaged nearly 20 buildings and vehicles in the area.
