Blast hits Thai fireworks factory

The factory was reduced to rubble

An explosion at a fireworks factory in central Thailand has killed at least 14 people and injured several others.

It completely destroyed the factory in the city of Ayutthaya, about 70km (44 miles) north of Bangkok, and damaged nearby houses.

The cause of the blast is being investigated.

Police and local government officials said the factory had lost its licence 10 years ago following an earlier explosion, and was operating illegally.

The dead are said to include a four-year-old boy.

Four teenagers with severe skin burns are reported to be being treated at a nearby hospital.

Police said no-one outside the factory had been injured by the blast.

Festival

Police said they suspected the accident may have been the result of increased fireworks production at the factory to complete orders ahead of the kingdom's Loi Krathong festival.

The festival falls on 26 November this year and is one of Thailand's largest festivals, celebrated by people all over the country.

Police Lt Col Sawek Pasakdi said he witnessed the explosion.

"There was a big noise and the ground was shaking. I saw a blazing fire and a cloud rising like a mushroom," he told Reuters news agency.

Ayutthaya is Thailand's ancient capital.