Thai coach apologizes to parents as boys write they’re OK

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In this July 3, 2018, file image taken from video provided by the Royal Thai Navy Facebook Page, the boys smile as Thai Navy SEAL medic help injured children inside a cave in Mae Sai, northern Thailand. (AP)
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In this July 3, 2018, file image taken from video provided by the Royal Thai Navy Facebook Page, the boys smile as Thai Navy SEAL medic help injured children inside a cave in Mae Sai, northern Thailand. (AP)
Updated 07 July 2018
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Thai coach apologizes to parents as boys write they’re OK

  • Rescuers say they won’t immediately attempt an underwater evacuation because the boys have not yet learned adequate diving skills

MAE SAI, Thailand: The soccer coach trapped in a cave with 12 Thai boys has apologized to their parents in the first letter he and the team have sent out through divers.
The 25-year-old coach says: “To the parents of all the kids, right now the kids are all fine, the crew are taking good care. I promise I will care for the kids as best as possible. I want to say thanks for all the support and I want to apologize to the parents.”
Rescuers say they won’t immediately attempt an underwater evacuation because the boys have not yet learned adequate diving skills. But if heavy rains start again, divers will try to take the boys out right away.
The boys also wrote they are doing well and missing their families.


Five children among victims of China fireworks shop explosion

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Five children among victims of China fireworks shop explosion

  • Five children were among the 12 people killed in an explosion at a general store selling fireworks in China during the Lunar New Year holiday, state media said Thursday
BEIJING: Five children were among the 12 people killed in an explosion at a general store selling fireworks in China during the Lunar New Year holiday, state media said Thursday.
Setting off fireworks and crackers is common during holiday celebrations in China, especially around Lunar New Year.
The explosion occurred on Wednesday afternoon in Jinpu village, in the central province of Hubei.
“Following thorough search and rescue operations, the incident was confirmed to have resulted in 12 fatalities: seven adults and five minors,” state broadcaster CCTV said Thursday, citing authorities.
The identities of all victims have been verified, it added.
“Aside from one individual, identified as the proprietor Mr.Lin, the remaining 11 were customers purchasing fireworks,” the report said.
Three of the customers who died had traveled from Chengdu, roughly 780 kilometers (485 miles) away, to visit their relatives, it added.
A police investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion.
Several major Chinese cities have banned the use of fireworks and firecrackers in recent years for safety and pollution control reasons, but the practice remains very popular in rural areas.
Fatal explosions regularly occur around the holidays.
On Sunday, an explosion at a fireworks shop in eastern China’s Jiangsu province killed eight and injured two.