Health and environment officials have collected water samples from the Mekong River at Khut Khu rapids in Chiang Kan district of Loei province for testing, after sulfuric acid leaked into the river from a truck which overturned in Luang Prabang yesterday.
Laotian officials had issued an announcement, warning Lao people living along the river near the scene of the accident against swimming in or catching fish from the river.
On the Thai side of the border, Loei Deputy Governor Kittikhun Butkhun has instructed health and environment officials to test water in the river to ensure safety for people and vendors selling food at Nang Khoi beach in Ban Hat Hae, Pak Tom sub-district.
The truck was carrying about 30 tonnes of sulfuric acid when it was involved in an accident and overturned, causing the highly corrosive chemical to leak into the environment. Many dead fish have been found in the river.
