A devastating fire engulfed a school bus in suburban Bangkok on Tuesday, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 23 individuals, including 20 children and three teachers. The bus was carrying 44 passengers from Uthai Thani province on a field trip to Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi when the calamity struck around noon, sparking urgent responses from emergency services and drawing widespread attention across the nation.
Trairong Phiwpan, head of the police forensic science office, confirmed the grim discovery of the victims. "We found 23 bodies inside the bus," he told reporters, as rescue teams worked tirelessly to identify the deceased. The bus fire sent thick plumes of smoke into the air, captured in chilling videos shared on social media, which showed the vehicle completely engulfed in flames while parked beneath an overpass.
Initial investigations revealed that the bus was powered by natural gas, and officials believe the fire may have been triggered by an explosion related to the vehicle's tire. Acting police chief Kittirat Phanphet stated, "From speaking to witnesses, we believe the explosion was caused by a spark from the tire that lit the gas cylinder that was powering the vehicle." Eyewitness accounts suggested that the fire ignited rapidly, leaving little time for passengers to escape.
#BREAKING A bus carrying dozens of primary school children crashed and caught fire just outside Bangkok, Thailand.
Sixteen children and three teachers reportedly escaped, but 22 pupils and three teachers are still unaccounted for, according to the transport minister.… pic.twitter.com/JoK7qiP0vs — PhoenixCNE News (@PhoenixCNE_News) October 1, 2024
The driver of the bus reportedly survived but fled the scene and remains unaccounted for, further complicating the investigation. "Teachers told us that the fire ignited very quickly," Kittirat added, noting that some students managed to escape through windows before the flames consumed the bus.
Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit confirmed that 16 students and three teachers were sent to a nearby hospital for treatment. Among them, three young girls sustained injuries, including severe burns to the face, mouth, and eye. The Minister also indicated that an investigation into the bus company's practices and possible negligence would be undertaken.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her sorrow over the tragedy, stating in a social media post, "As a mother, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families." She assured the public that the government would cover medical expenses and provide compensation to the victims' families. The heartfelt message resonated with many in a country where the loss of young lives in such a horrific manner has sparked outrage and calls for accountability.
As details of the incident unfold, the Thai government faces mounting pressure to investigate not only the cause of the fire but also the safety regulations governing school transportation. The incident is reminiscent of past tragedies involving transportation safety in Thailand, raising alarms about the adequacy of safety measures in place for vehicles used to transport children.
Local media have highlighted the urgency for reform in safety standards, particularly for buses powered by natural gas, which may require stricter guidelines and regular safety checks to prevent similar incidents in the future. The inquiry will likely scrutinize the condition of the bus and whether it was properly maintained according to safety regulations.