Two Die in Vietnam Tanker Explosion

An oil tanker exploded while docked at the northern port of Lach Bang in Vietnam, subsequently killing two people and severely injuring four others, reported Vietnam’s Thanh Nien News.

The fire completely destroyed the tanker, which was carrying 5,000 liters of oil. Flames rapidly engulfed the whole ship. Rescue officials were able to put out the fire after an hour-long battle.

Local police stated that the blast happened at 8:15 a.m. on Saturday when some crewmen were using a weld torch to repair the vessel. An investigation has been launched into whether the blaze was ignited in the oil compartments or from the cooking gas cylinder.

Witnesses compared the sound of the explosion to a bomb being detonated and noted seeing things flying in all directions before falling into the water.

Unfortunately, two workers died in the explosion. Four other were rescued; three having suffered severe burns, including the vessel’s owner.

Details about the ship remain unclear.