Tourists injured after speedboat engine explosion near Phuket
The engine of a tourist speedboat caught fire and exploded off the coast of Thailand’s Phi Phi Le island, injuring at least 16 people.
Police said 14 tourists and two crew members were injured on the King Poseidon speedboat with six considered to be in a serious condition.
The boat was carrying 31 people, mostly tourists from China.
Seven remain in hospital in Phuket.
"Initial reports stated that three of the victims sustained serious injuries, another three with moderate injuries while an undetermined number sustained minor injuries," said Krabi Prevention and Mitigation Disaster Department head, Paisarn Khunsri.
Paisarn said a full investigation into the accident will commence.
It is widely suspected a fuel leak was to blame.
"We will take care of victims," said Manassanan Mahima, of Apple Tours, the tour company which chartered the boat, adding that compensation of up to THB500,000 will be paid out via its insurance for injured passengers.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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