Some 58 boat passengers injured in explosion

BANGKOK, March 5 (TNA) -- At least 58 boat passengers were injured early Saturday after the engine of the ill-fated commuter boat exploded at a pier in Bangkok. The incident erupted at about 6am when the boat, operated by the company named Krob Krua Khonsong Company, exploded in Klong Saen Saeb canal near Wat Thap Leela, a Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Initial investigation found that at least 58 passengers were injured. Rescue officials were searching for passengers who could be missing after the incident and no casualty was reported. All the victims were sent to various hospitals for treatment. Chavalit Metyaprapas, managing director of the boat company, told journalists that the engine which was in the middle of the boat exploded and not from the gas cylinder. The ill-fated boat was powered by LNG and not diesel, said Mr Chavalit, reiterating that the gas cylinder was installed legally under supervision of the qualified experts. He said his company would shoulder for medical expenses and compensation for the injured passengers and other passenger boats operated by his company would continue services. Police said initial interrogation revealed that there was a sound of gas leaked and a fire spark was seen before the explosion. Police investigation was still continuing. (TNA)