At least one person was killed and seven injured after a gas explosion on Thursday at Don Bosco Technical School in Preah Sihanouk province, according to Bou Sothy, Preah Sihanouk provincial deputy police chief.

Sothy said that at around 2pm a gas explosion at the school killed teacher Seng Sarat, 35, who was training students in a workshop.

Seven students were injured, some seriously, and sent to Preah Sihanouk Provincial Referral Hospital.

“At the moment we are collecting evidence and cannot say what caused the gas explosion,” Sothy said.

The school’s rector, Father Eugene Xalxo, told The Post he didn’t know for sure what caused the explosion, but he said the incident occurred during a thunderstorm.

“I think the explosion was probably caused by lightning,” Xalxo said. However, Sothy said “carelessness was likely the cause”.

Staff and students at the school expressed regret and offered their condolences on the loss of Sarath.