“Explosion at Thai zinc factory kills 2 Burmese workers, injures 28”

A devastating explosion at a zinc production facility in Kabin Buri district, Prachinburi, has left two Burmese workers dead and 28 others injured. The shocking incident unfolded yesterday, October 27, with Thai national media reporting that around 70 employees were on-site at the time, out of a total workforce of 232.

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

Dr Manu Sukolsakul, Health Region 6 Inspector, explained that the blast occurred during a chemical mixing process involving lead and sulphuric 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 aluminium. The facility mainly produces zinc, lead, and tin.

“The site lacked clear signage identifying chemical hazards,” lamented a Chinese engineer present during the disaster…

In response to the tragedy, police have invoked the Public Health Act, ordering the factory to halt all operations until thorough safety inspections are carried out and necessary upgrades are made.