One crew member died and four were injured when an oil tanker transiting the Chao Phraya River exploded yesterday afternoon in southeast metro Bangkok.
The Amplar 8 oil tanker exploded at around 3:30pm near the Chulachomklao Fort in Samut Prakan province. The tanker was carrying 3 million liters of crude oil from Koh Si Chang just off the shore from Port Laem Chabang. Plumes of black smoke could be seen pouring from the tanker.
The body of crew member Prasit Supatwan, 43, was recovered from the river, according to Col. Thanupetch Chamaruek of Phra Samut Chedi Police. Four others were reportedly injured while the other dozen or so were unharmed.
Initial investigation found a spark occurred in the anchor chain room near the bow of the ship.
The fire on the tanker was extinguished after an hour. Atirat Ratanasate, deputy transport minister, ordered an investigation into what happened. The tanker has been ordered to halt operations in the meantime.
Related
Gulf fishers call off blockade, settle on compensation for oil spills
Giant oil spill did not kill sea friends: Thai marine department
Only 10% of the original oil spill remains, Thailand’s Tourism Authority claims
Reader Interactions