An investigation is being launched into why there have been 2 oil tankers explosions in Bangkok within the space of a month. The Transport Ministry has instructed the Marine Department to launch a probe into the explosions, the newest of which occurred on Sunday.
The Ampar eight was carrying over 3 million litres of crude oil from the island of Si Chang in Chon Buri, and trying 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 had been injured.
Deputy Transport Minister Athirat Rattanaseth confirmed there was no oil leak into the river, adding that when the fireplace within the anchor windlass room was introduced underneath control, investigators would go on board. Meanwhile, Bargain has been sealed off for now.
“A preliminary investigation found that no oil leaked into the Chao Phraya River. Officials are utilizing fireboats to spray water on the ship’s bow, which has now stopped emitting black smoke, to minimize back the temperature and prevent one other explosion.”
Earlier this month, one other oil tanker exploded while at a pier within 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..