Health and environment officials obtained water samples from the Mekong River at Khut Khu rapids in Chiang Kan district of Loei province to conduct tests, after sulfuric acid leaked into the river from a truck that overturned in Luang Prabang yesterday.
Officials in Laos had issued a warning to Lao residents living along the river near the accident site, advising them against swimming in or catching fish from the river.
On the Thai side of the border, Loei Deputy Governor Kittikhun Butkhun has directed health and environment officials to test water in the river to ensure the safety of people and food vendors 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, leading to the release of the highly corrosive chemical into the environment. Many dead fish have been discovered in the river.
