Speedboat explosion at Phuket pier kills one, injures five

An explosion occurred on a speedboat at a pier on Phuket island, sparking a fire that killed a 23-year-old guide and injured five others.

The incident took place at around 11am today, said Adul Raluekmool, director of the Phuket Regional Marine Office.

Authorities were notified that a speedboat moored alongside the customs pier at the deep-sea port in Ao Makham, Wichit subdistrict of Muang district, had exploded and burst into flames.

The burning boat was then towed away from the pier to open water to contain the blaze, while fireboats were dispatched to the scene.

Photo by Fire & Rescue Thailand

Five people were reported injured in the incident and were transported to hospital. Initial reports said the injured included four men and one woman, while one man was reported missing.

At around 3.10pm, divers recovered the body of the missing man, identified as Komphet Wandi.

His body was found trapped beneath the wreckage of the sunken speedboat after an extensive search.

Photo by Fire & Rescue Thailand

The body has been brought ashore and sent to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a detailed autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Authorities from the Phuket provincial forensic office are continuing their investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and subsequent fire.