Three Cambodian workers were killed and two others injured in a powerful farm chemical explosion in Soi Dao district of Chanthaburi province yesterday afternoon.

A fire was also started and burnt down six adjacent row shop houses.

The deadly explosion was reported at 4.40 pm Friday at Prasert Phanich shop, a major retailer selling farm fertilisers in Tambon Thap Charng of Soi Dao district.

The powerful explosion killed three Cambodian workers, one male and two females, instantly, and injured the owner of the shop Praewmanee Somsri, and her Cambodian male worker.

Glass windows and doors in the 250-metre perimeter of the scene were shattered by the blast.

Fire engines were rushed to the scene after being alerted of the blast and fire.

They were able to put out the fire a few hours later.

According to police, the farm chemical blasts flattened six row shop houses and damaged roofs if several other houses in the vicinity.

Investigation revealed that the shop stored farm chemicals and fertilisers, particularly potassium chlorate, in a godown behind the shop.

It was believed that heat in the godown might trigger the explosion.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal police are inspecting the scene Saturday morning to find the exact cause of the explosion, and collect evidence to pursue legal case against the shop owner.

The killed Cambodian workers were identified only as Sa, 28, Mrs Pia, 25, and Ms Sao, 20. Their bodies were torn into pieces by the explosion.

3 Cambodian workers died in farm chemical explosion in Chanthaburi - Thai PBS English News