On Monday (13 April), an oil tanker carrying 16,000 litres of fuel overturned on the roadside in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thailand.
During the investigation, the driver admitted to authorities that he had fallen asleep behind the wheel, causing the mishap.
Highway police received a report regarding the incident from the public at 9.25pm.
According to AmarinTV, no one was injured in the incident, and no government property was damaged.
Source: AmarinTV
Based on the initial investigation, the tanker was driven by a 57-year-old identified as Mr Praphan.
He tested negative for alcohol, but admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel.
The tanker was reportedly carrying 8,000 litres of E10 gasoline, 4,000 litres of E20 gasoline, and 4,000 litres of diesel.
It was travelling from a fuel depot in Samut Sakhon province to a petrol station in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Suwiwat Phromma, head of the Highway Police Rescue Unit in Prachuap Khiri Khan, said there was initially a gasoline leak on the road from the accident.
To reduce the risk of fire, water trucks from several locations rushed to the overturned tanker and sprayed water on the vehicle.
Source: SWP 91
Authorities and rescue volunteers also partially closed traffic and diverted routes to ensure public safety while they moved the oil tanker.
According to AmarinTV, officials planned to use a crane to lift the overturned oil tanker back onto the roadside.
If no leaks are found, the vehicle will be moved to its destination, a PTT gas station.
Source: SWP 91
However, if leaks are discovered, the gas station’s operations team would then be contacted to drain the oil from the tank to prevent any safety hazards.
While waiting for this, firefighters will continuously spray water at the vehicle to reduce fuel vapour evaporation and manage the risk of fire.
As of 11am on Tuesday (14 April), the tank had been moved, and no further leaks were found, SWP 91 reported.
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Featured image adapted from SWP 91.