Investigation launched in central Thailand after 2 oil tanker explosions in a month

An investigation is being launched into why there have been 2 oil tankers explosions in Bangkok in the space of a month. The Transport Ministry has instructed the Marine Department to launch a probe into the explosions, the latest of which occurred on Sunday.

The Ampar 8 was carrying over 3 million litres of crude oil from the island of Si Chang in Chon Buri, and attempting to moor at Pom Phrachul 2 pier on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, when the explosion occurred. One crew member was killed and 3 others were injured.

Deputy Transport Minister Athirat Rattanaseth confirmed there was no oil leak into the river, adding that once the fire in the anchor windlass room was brought under control, investigators would go on board. Meanwhile, the pier has been sealed off for now.

“A preliminary investigation found that no oil leaked into the Chao Phraya River. Officials are using fireboats to spray water at the ship’s bow, which has now stopped emitting black smoke, to reduce the temperature and prevent another explosion.”

Earlier this month, another oil tanker exploded while at a pier in the Phra Pradaeng district of Samut Prakan. The March 9 explosion on the Smooth Sea II also killed 1 crew member and injured 3 others.

SOURCE: Nation Thailand