Tanks blamed for explosion

The explosion also damaged the roof of the PTT service station.

As customers waited to have their vehicles filled at the PTT service station on Bang Na - Trat Road in Samut Prakan, the tanks on a tenwheeled truck suddenly exploded. Three people remain hospitalised with ear injuries.

"The tanks were substandard," Energy Business Department directorgeneral Metta Banturngsuk said, after the results of an investigation.

According to Metta, the truck's iron tanks do not have a fibreglass lining and are unable to cushion normaloperation impacts. In all, there were up to eight NGV tanks, each measuring 1.2 metres, on the truck.

"We are going to summon the truck owner for questioning. We will find out who installed these substandard tanks," Metta said, "They must face legal action".

PTT executive Chitpong Kwangsuksathit also urged motorists to seek proper installation for NGV tanks if they switch from petrol to the cheaper choice of NGV.

"PTT can provide safe installation," he said.