1 dead, many hurt as boat catches fire near Phi Phi Island
A SPEED boat carrying tourists from Phuket to Phi Phi Island off southern coastal Krabi province caught fire after the engine oil leaked triggering an explosion that killed one person and injured 30 others, INN News reported today (Jan. 14).
Mr Vorapoj Lomlim, the head of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, quickly sent park officials and divers to rescue the passengers and crew from the boat which was ablaze in the middle of the sea off Phi Phi Island.
One of the Chinese tourists died and 5 others were in serious condition after choking on the smoke and were first taken to Phi Phi Island Hospital then sent to Krabi Hospital.
Ten others suffering from minor injuries were also sent to Krabi Hospital.
A boat hand later said that the engine oil leaked just as the boat got near Viking Cave, and the captain put him at the helm and went to have a look. When he opened the lid an explosion ensued injuring 5-6 people, with the captain and an elderly Chinese woman being the most seriously hurt.
Later Mr Paisarn Khunsri, the head of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office in Krabi, said 31 people were injured with 26 being tourists and 5 Thais, among them the crew, and 3 were in serious condition.
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Top: The speed boat full of tourists ablaze near Phi Phi Island today. Photo: INN News
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