One person died and four others were injured when a tanker loaded with three million litres of crude oil exploded on a river in Thailand on Sunday.

The Amplar 8 vessel was moving along the Chao Phraya river towards Bangkok when a spark reportedly erupted in its anchor windlass room and triggered a fire. Black smoke was seen rising from the burning tanker as it floated on the water.

Police Colonel Thanupetch Chamaruek from the Phra Samut Chedi district in Samut Prakan province where the blast happened said a crew member named Prasit Sapsawan, 43, was killed in the explosion. Three people were reported injured, while 14 others escaped unharmed.

Firefighters arrived and extinguished the blaze in one hour. Other vessels carrying booms were also dispatched in case of the crude oil leaked into the river.

Deputy Transport Minister Atirat Ratanasate said the tanker was owned by Ayudhya Development Leasing Co and was traveling to Bangkok from Chonburi province.

The Marine Department has formed a committee and launched a probe to determine the cause of the blast. The Amplar 8 tanker will be on standby until further notice.