Officials have banned the use of diesel and LNG fuel in commuter boats operating in Saen Saep canal, following a boat engine explosion that left 58 passengers wounded on Saturday.
Nut Jubjai, the Marine Department’s deputy director-general, said the operators of boats filled with two types of LNG and diesel have been instructed to modify them to use diesel only.
There are approximately 70 boats plying the Saen Saep canal, with about 30 of them fueled with a mixture of diesel and LNG to save costs.
The department is still investigating the cause of the explosion on Saturday, suspected to be the first occurrence of a LNG leak, Thai PBS reported.
Family Transport, the company which owned the boat, pledged to take full responsibility for the injured. The Marine Department and police have been tasked with taking legal action against the company, according to state media.
The company expects to resume its services after the Marine Department’s safety inspection.
This morning, there were reportedly fewer commuters at piers along the Saen Saep canal after the accident on Saturday.
Officials will hold a meeting this week to discuss safety measures to prevent such accidents in the future.
Related:
60 people hospitalized after boat engine explodes on Saen Saeb canal (VIDEO)
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