ROI-ET - A gas tank loaded on a tanker truck exploded during the transfer of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) to a steamroller on Highway 23 (Roi Et-Selaphum) in Thung Khao Luang district on Sunday morning, making a loud noise and sending plumes of smoke and fireballs into the sky.
Some vehicles were damaged, but nobody was killed or injured, police said.
Pol Capt Wachirawich Khamhuan, deputy chief investigator of Thung Khao Luang police, said the explosion occurred at about 9am at kilometre marker 135 on Highway 23 where the asphalt surface of the road was being repaired by PTT Limited Partnership, a construction contractor.
According to a preliminary investigation, while LPG was being transferred from a tanker truck to a steamroller, a gas-transfer hose leaked and sent out sparks. This was followed by a loud explosion of the gas tank.
The explosion sent plumes of smoke and fireballs into the sky, which were visible from more than 10km away. The incident occurred between Wai Luem and Ma Ba villages in tambon Ma Ba.
Nobody was reported hurt in the explosion. Some shelters near the work site were damaged.
The tanker truck was totally destroyed and two steamrollers damaged.