A container truck overturned in the southern province of Binh Phuoc, spilling thousands of litres of cashew oil.

The accident occurred at Hung Vuong T-junction, Phu Rieng Do Road in Dong Xoai Township at 3.30pm on Tuesday.

The container, with the number plate 51C-402.41, was reportedly carrying about 20,000 litres of raw cashew oil.

Local residents said the container truck was on its way from Binh Phuoc Province's Phuoc Long Township to Ho Chi Minh City, when the driver saw a construction site ahead. He braked suddenly, causing the container to overturn and spill thousands of litres of oil all over the road. The truck continued to move for about 300m before it stopped.

The driver ran away after the incident, though no one was reported injured.

The accident caused traffic jams on Hung Vuong and Phu Rieng Do roads, as the foul-smelling cashew oil spread over a large area.

Police in Dong Xoai Township promptly arrived at the scene to regulate the traffic and control the damage.

To limit the danger posed by the oil spill, the relevant authorities dispatched forces to spray water to clean the road and to put sand over the oil spill.

The cause of the accident is being investigated. 

VNS