PRACHINBURI, Thailand – Thousands of liters of diesel fuel spilled onto Highway 304 in Prachinburi province after a parked six-wheel box truck rolled into a fuel tanker, damaging one of its storage compartments and forcing authorities to temporarily close the roadway. CCTV footage captured the moment the six-wheel truck slowly rolled forward and collided with the diesel tanker on Highway 304 at kilometer marker 186+500 in Na Di district, on the route toward Nakhon Ratchasima. The incident occurred near the Thung Pho Market area. Emergency responders arriving at the scene found a tanker carrying 42,000 liters of diesel fuel. One of the tanker’s left-side compartments had been punctured during the collision, causing a substantial fuel leak across the roadway. Both traffic lanes were temporarily closed as authorities worked to contain the spill.
The six-wheel truck involved in the incident was found parked in the left lane with diesel stains covering its rear section. According to the truck driver, he was travelling from Rayong to Nakhon Ratchasima to pick up work. Feeling thirsty, he pulled over near the roadside, applied the handbrake, and walked to a nearby convenience store. When he returned, he discovered the vehicle had rolled away and crashed into the tanker. Na Di District Chief Somjai Phutthasena said the incident occurred at approximately 7:40 p.m. on June 15. The tanker had departed from the Laem Chabang oil depot and was transporting diesel fuel toward Nong Khai province. The collision damaged one compartment containing approximately 10,000 liters of diesel. Officials estimated that between 5,000 and 6,000 liters leaked onto the road surface before the situation was brought under control.
Authorities allowed fuel levels inside the damaged compartment to drop below the puncture point to stop further leakage while crews immediately began cleaning operations. Given that Highway 304 is one of the region’s busiest transport routes, highway police and road maintenance officials coordinated traffic diversions and special traffic measures to ease congestion. The tanker driver, identified as Akom, described the frightening moments before the crash. He said he had recently resumed his journey after stopping near the Na Di weigh station and noticed the six-wheel truck parked diagonally on the roadside. Believing the truck was preparing to reverse, he moved into the right lane to avoid it. However, the unattended vehicle suddenly rolled forward and struck the tanker. Officials later confirmed that the tanker was transporting fuel from a Bangchak depot for delivery to Laos.
To prevent fire hazards and restore the roadway, emergency crews spread sand across the diesel-covered surface and used heavy equipment to distribute it evenly. After allowing the sand to absorb the fuel, workers removed the contaminated material for proper disposal. Foam was also applied to the tanker to eliminate residual fuel, and specialized equipment was used to seal the leak before the vehicle was moved to a safe location. No injuries were reported, and authorities continue to investigate the incident. (TNA)
