A rocket firework exploded, shooting forward before detonating while technicians were cleaning its fuse holes. They had to leap away in different directions amid a cloud of dust. Three technicians suffered burns, and several vehicles were damaged in Yasothon.
At 13:30 on 24 May 2026, Police Lieutenant Jirapath Kusoltanaboon, deputy investigator at Mueang Yasothon Police Station, received a report of a rocket firework explosion causing multiple injuries during the annual Bun Bang Fai festival at Wat Phra That Kao, Ban Don Klang, Kho Nuea Subdistrict, Mueang District, Yasothon. Emergency and hospital vehicles were dispatched to the scene.
The incident occurred at Wat Phra That Kao, where a large crowd had gathered to watch the annual 2026 rocket firework event. The explosion happened at the central area where the large rockets were assembled on launch pads. Teams from various camps brought their rockets here to have technicians clean the fuse holes before placing them on the launch bases according to schedule.
At the scene, remnants of a 5-inch rocket pipe were found, with the rocket's head section blown open. Nearby were three pickup trucks belonging to the technician team, partially damaged by fire. Additionally, one motorcycle was completely burned. Three technicians from the rocket team suffered burns and were taken by emergency personnel to Yasothon Hospital for treatment.
Mr. Amphol Sairot, 65, a rocket technician who witnessed the incident, said he and his team were cleaning rockets near the one that exploded. The exploded rocket was a 5-inch pipe from the Chor Makham Wan camp. Their team was cleaning fuse holes as usual in preparation for launching. Suddenly, the rocket ignited unexpectedly, shooting forward before exploding loudly with smoke spreading everywhere, obscuring vision. Nearby technicians scattered in all directions to escape. When the smoke cleared, three technicians from Chor Makham Wan camp were found burned. Also, three pickup trucks were partially burned, and one motorcycle was completely destroyed.
After the incident, investigators from Mueang Yasothon Police Station examined the scene, collected evidence, and will interview witnesses to determine the cause of the rocket firework explosion.