Four people were killed and seven others injured in a massive fireworks explosion during a Buddhist festival in Thailand.

Villagers were preparing to light the huge explosive at a public reservoir when it accidentally detonated during the Kathin festival in Kalasin province on the night of October 25.

Police Captain Bancha Nachairit of Kamalasai District Police Station said they received a report at 8pm.

He said: 'The incident occurred on the road around the Prakan public pond, which is a public pond in the old village of Khao Noi. The bodies of two people were found, with some organs and pieces of flesh scattered in different directions.'

The deceased were named by police as fireworks maker Sathit Sripongying, 75, and his assistant, Ekkasit Sriha, 34.

Two other men, Boonchuay Khammoonnam, 65, and Sayan Phattanasan, 45, were rushed to the Kamalasai Hospital but died of severe injuries on October 26.

Investigations found that Sathit and Ekkasit were preparing a 5.6ft-tall firework to set off for a Buddhist ceremony at a temple around half a mile away.

Onlooker Terdsak Ritmontri, 48, said: 'While preparing to light the firework, the deceased used an iron rod and an iron hammer to create sparks. We warned him not to do that because the sparks might cause it to explode, but he insisted it would be alright.

'He continued hammering until sparks flew and the giant firecracker exploded with a loud noise. Everyone in that area went flying in different directions. As for me, I was lucky that there was a pickup truck blocking me, so I was only slightly injured. When I came to my senses, I got up to check on my friends and found that there were many dead and injured people, so I quickly notified the authorities to come and help.'

Kalasin Governor Sanan Phongaksorn said he has banned fireworks in all districts, adding Buddhist ceremonies will be monitored from October 28 to November 15.

Village council chief Prasan Arunrat said: 'Sathit was normally a farmer who made fireworks as a side job during Buddhist festivals. We will assist the families of the dead with funeral arrangements and compensation. From now on, villagers will be warned to refrain from lighting large fireworks.'