Horrifying moment oil tanker explodes in Bangkok

An oil tanker has exploded as it was preparing to depart a port in Bangkok, killing one man and injuring another three personnel.

Thai officials say the tanker, Smooth Sea 2, exploded at IRPC Port on Suksawat 45 Road in Phra Pradaeng district after unloading its cargo to the oil terminal.

Royal Merchant Navy reports that the tanker arrived at Bangkok from Rayong in the evening on 8 March, with cargo of gasoline and diesel oil. Fire services took around an hour to bring the blaze under control.

According to local reports, IRPC chief executive officer Chavawalit Tippawanich said the oil tanker belonged to a contractor responsible for transporting diesel and petrol from IRPC’s refinery in Rayong province to its storage facility in Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan, near Bangkok.

The 1983-built Thailand-flagged, 1,989gt Smooth Sea 2 is owned and managed by Smooth Sea Co Ltd of Bangkok, Thailand.

Images and video courtesy of Royal Merchant Navy