Explosion at Zinc Factory Kills 2, Injures Dozens More

An explosion at a zinc production facility in Kabin Buri district in Prachinburi, Thailand, has left two workers dead and 28 others injured.

According to local Thaiger News, the incident unfolded October 27, 2024, with Thai national media reporting that around 70 employees were on-site at the time, out of a total workforce of 232.

The facility, which primarily produces zinc, lead, and tin, had approximately 70 of its 232 employees on-site at the time, The Pattaya News shared.

Local officials from the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command confirmed that all victims are migrant workers from Myanmar. One worker died instantly at the scene, while another passed away from his injuries at Kabin Buri Hospital.

Manu Sukolsakul, Health Region 6 Inspector, explained that the blast occurred during a chemical mixing process involving lead and sulfuric acid. Eyewitnesses reported that two workers were standing on the tank lid when it exploded, sending them tumbling into a vat meant for melting steel and aluminum.

“The site lacked clear signage identifying chemical hazards,” said a Chinese engineer present during the disaster, reported by Thager News.