Seven killed in explosion at Bangkok workshop

Thai soldiers stand next to a crater created by a bomb explosion at a scrap shop in Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday. Workers at the shop accidentally detonated a large bomb believed to have been dropped during World War II, killing at least seven people and injuring 19 others, police said.

At least seven people died in an explosion at a Bangkok workshop Wednesday, reports and medical officers said.

The explosion occurred around 12:50 p.m. (0550 GMT) at a metal recycling shop in Bang Khen district in northern Bangkok, Thai radio reported.

Police Colonel Kamthon Ueycharoen said the blast was caused by workmen dismantling World War II era bombs weighing about 225 kg. The explosion sparked a fire that engulfed the shop.

At least seven people died, including two children, and 18 others were injured, the Erawan Medical Emergency Centre said.