NARATHIWAT- An improvised bomb believed intended for security teams patrolling routes used by teachers exploded harmlessly in the middle of a local road in Bacho district on Tuesday, leaving a large crater.
The blast detonated and left a hole about 1.50 metres deep and 2.50 metres wide in the middle of the road at Buenaeteeyae village in tambon Palukasalamae around 11.40am on Tuesday, said Pol Maj Thawee Sukhree, investigation chief at Palukasalamae police station.
Police and soldiers sent to the scene found bomb debris and red road soil scattered over the area.
Bomb disposal police said the bomb was stuffed in a cooking gas cylinder and weighed about 20kg. It was detonated by a communication radio.
Police investigators reported the bomb went off after a pickup truck loaded with construction materials had just passed over the spot and was about 15 metres away. It caused no injuries.
Authorities believed the bomb was intended for police and soldiers providing protection for teachers who travel the route every day. It was likely the bomber accidentally detonated the explosive prematurely, before the teacher escort team arrived.
Bomb disposal police inspect the scene of the bomb blast, which left a large crater in the middle of a local road in Narathiwat's Bacho district on Tuesday. (Photo by Waedao Harai)