A gas explosion at a factory in Thailand killed one worker and injured two others on Wednesday afternoon.

The blast ripped through the warehouse where fuel tanks were being welded in Kanchanaburi, some 80 miles west of Bangkok, at around 2:20 pm local time.

Firemen recovered the body of Arnon Chanruam, 47, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Rescuers also administered first aid to Weeraphon Chantara, 25, and Chusak Paenkaew, 24, before transporting them to Makarak Hospital.

Staff in nearby buildings were evacuated.

Provincial governor Athisarn Intara stated that the factory was operating to assemble fuel dispensers and tanks.

He added: 'When a worker was welding a fuel tank in the assembly line, the gas suddenly exploded, causing flames to ignite immediately.'

The fire was extinguished before authorities inspected the site. There was no one trapped inside.

Police said they had launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident.