On April 8, 2024, authorities in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thailand, were alerted to a potentially dangerous situation: a pickup truck had overturned on Phetkasem Road, spilling several cooking gas tanks onto the roadway. With concerns mounting about the possibility of an explosion amid scorching temperatures, emergency response teams sprang into action. The incident occurred along km 228-300 of the Long Tai leg of Phetkasem Road in Hua Hin District.
Upon arriving at the scene, responders found a Nissan pickup truck lying on its side, its left rear tire shredded. Fortunately, neither the driver nor any passengers sustained injuries in the accident. However, numerous cooking gas tanks, ranging from large 48 kg cylinders to smaller 4-7 kg ones, were strewn across the road and nearby ditch. While many of the tanks suffered dents from the impact, officials confirmed that none had sustained damage to their shut-off valves, averting a potential gas leak.
Anticipating the risk posed by the sweltering weather, which reached a high of 37-42 degrees Celsius that day, authorities swiftly mobilized a fire truck to the scene as a precautionary measure. Collaborative efforts between the Hua Hin Highway Department, rescue workers from the Sawang Hua Hin Dhammasathan Foundation, and local police ensured the safe removal of the gas tanks and the overturned vehicle. Traffic was temporarily halted to facilitate the operation, with highway officials also addressing oil stains on the road to prevent further incidents.
The prompt response and coordinated efforts of emergency personnel helped mitigate the potential hazards posed by the accident, underscoring the importance of swift and efficient crisis management in ensuring public safety.
