Hundreds of people were forced to run for cover after a fireworks display organised at a Thailand ministry of tourism event went haywire.
Crowds had gathered to watch the ‘Legend of the 12th Zodiac’ firework display in the tourist resort town of Krabi when the mishap happened.
The pyrotechnic performance had started fine until a rack of fireworks were apparently knocked over causing them to ignite along the ground with dozens of people hit by sparks.
Authorities said at least 23 people were taken to hospital with burns.
Most are thought to be teenagers .
These inclde many Thai dancers who were injured while performing at the time, said onlooker Pittisak Udorn.
"People were screaming. Nobody knew what was happening. The fireworks had already started so they couldn’t be stopped. I was in the crowd but further back so I wasn’t injured,"Pittisak said.
Officials from the Krabi government office said an investigation has started.
