Vendor in Ayutthaya loses hand

An unlucky street vendor in Ayutthaya province was injured yesterday when an explosive she found near her cart exploded, mutilating her hand.

Saiyud Kaleeklin, 53, lost her left hand in the blast, which also wounded two other vendors nearby. Some shops near the scene were also damaged.

The accident took place at the mouth of Soi Pracha-uthit on Rojana Road in Muang Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district at about 7.30am.

The two others vendors injured were Thitiya Poethong, 52, and Rassamee Yoosamrang, 41. They suffered shrapnel wounds to their faces and bodies.

Waraporn Chiangthong, 45, a helper at a food stall, told police that Saiyud found a round, black object tied with tape, but she did not know what it was. She was shaking it when the object hit a table and exploded, Waraporn said.

Police believe that the explosive device was made by teenagers who may have prepared it to attack rivals over the New Year holiday.

It may have been left in the street to avoid being found by police who had set up a checkpoint near the scene of the explosion.