Teenager Injured in Homemade Firework Incident in Maha Sarakham
A 16-year-old boy suffered severe injuries after attempting to modify fireworks into a homemade explosive device, prompting warnings from local health officials.
According to a report by Khaosod Online on October 20, 2026, a 16-year-old male in Kantharawichai District, Maha Sarakham, sustained serious injuries while attempting to create a homemade explosive device. The teenager reportedly purchased 300 firecrackers for 300 baht and extracted gunpowder from approximately 50 of them, packing the material into a metal pipe. The device detonated while he was compressing the powder, resulting in the loss of four fingers on his left hand, as well as injuries to his right hand, arms, and legs. He also reported temporary hearing loss.
Following the incident, Maha Sarakham Hospital issued a public warning urging parents to closely monitor their children, particularly during the lead-up to the Ok Phansa festival. The hospital emphasized the dangers of modifying fireworks, which are often sold in local shops. The victim’s father expressed shock, stating he was unaware of where his son had obtained the materials.
For residents and travelers, this incident highlights the significant risks associated with improvised explosives and the importance of avoiding contact with modified pyrotechnics. While the hospital has provided initial medical details, the specific source of the firecrackers and potential regulatory actions against the local shop remain to be confirmed by local authorities.
