Four Children Injured in Fireworks Explosion at Nong Han Center for Child Development

Key summary

An explosion involving homemade fireworks caused severe injuries to four children near the Nong Han Center for Child Development in Amphoe Nong Han, Udon Thani Province. The incident occurred on a road in front of a house near the center in Ban Dong Wang Pang village, Tambon Sa Baeng. Surveillance footage captured a group of children playing before an explosion occurred, sending smoke into the air and causing screams of pain. Initial investigations revealed that four children were injured by shrapnel; two were sent to Nong Han Hospital, while the most critically injured child was transferred to Udon Thani Hospital. The victims include 11-year-old Boy Big C, who suffered severe injuries with a deep cut on his mouth extending to his cheek and was sent to Udon Thani Hospital; 10-year-old Boy Pick, who had injuries to both hands and arms; 13-year-old Boy Ba Kon, who sustained injuries to his legs and pinky finger; and 8-year-old Girl Tuynui, who was injured in both legs. According to Girl Tuynui, older siblings invited her to watch a movie at home, and she did not know where they obtained the fireworks until an explosion occurred after they discussed going to a shop. Nong C's aunt, Ms. Ratchana, stated that while sleeping, she heard the explosion and cries, then found her nephew running in with blood covering his face and a deep cut on his mouth. The group reportedly modified approximately 20 ball fireworks by removing gunpowder, placing it into balloons filled with stones, and wrapping them tightly with black tape to create homemade explosive devices intended for throwing but which exploded prematurely. Local officials, including Amphoe Nong Han Deputy Chief Mr. Pongsak Mukdamuang, Police Officer Lt. Col. Kittitthanes Thanasettachai, Subdistrict Head Mr. Theerapat Hetmalaa, and village heads, inspected the scene where remnants of balloons, empty water bottles, and black tape were scattered. Checks at local shops found no licensed sales of fireworks to children. Interrogations with the injured children indicated they had secretly purchased fireworks from an area in front of Phrai Wan Non Lue Chai School in Amphoe Pibul Ruesai, Udon Thani Province. Authorities plan to coordinate with officials in Amphoe Pibul Ruesai to inspect and regulate shops selling fireworks to minors. Local administration and subdistrict heads have issued warnings to parents and all shops ahead of the Asanha Bucha Day holiday, urging them to strictly prohibit children from modifying fireworks alone and requesting cooperation to stop the sale of ball fireworks or high-explosive objects to youth to prevent further tragedies.