Mekong River in Loei tested after chemical leak in Laos

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 Prabangcausing the highly corrosive chemical to leak into the environment.

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 has instructed health and environment officials to test water in the river to ensure safety for people. The truck was carrying about 30 tonnes of sulfuric acid when it was involved in an accident.