Tanker Overturns in Surin, Spills 18,000 Litres of Fuel Following Driver Fatigue

Picture from responders.
 

A traffic incident occurred in Surin province today when a fuel tanker carrying 42,000 litres of diesel overturned after crashing into a power pole. The crash resulted in over 18,000 litres of diesel spilling onto the roadside, prompting an emergency clean-up operation and partial road closure.

Police and emergency services were alerted to the scene near the Ban Samet bridge in Moo 7, Chuea Phloeng subdistrict, Prasat district. The vehicle, operated by Earn Rungrueang Co., Ltd., bore the registration from Pathum Thani. On arrival, authorities discovered the tanker lying upside down and a power pole snapped at its base.

Initial reports confirmed that more than 18,000 litres of diesel had leaked from the tanker, creating a hazardous slick along the roadside. An estimated 24,000 litres remained inside the vehicle’s storage compartments. As a safety precaution, officials cordoned off the road into the city to facilitate recovery efforts.

Fire engines and rescue workers were swiftly deployed. Water spray hose-lines were deployed at the site to prevent any sparks from igniting the spilled fuel, while a large crane was summoned to assist in lifting the overturned vehicle. Residents within the immediate vicinity were temporarily evacuated to ensure public safety.

The driver, Mr. Samrong Khanpho, was unharmed in the incident. In a statement to police, he admitted to falling asleep at the wheel after departing Laem Chabang port en route to a PT fuel depot in Lamduan district.

Authorities are continuing to assess the environmental impact of the spill and are coordinating with environmental agencies.

-- 2025-04-16