Tragic School Bus Fire Claims Lives of Over 20 in Thailand
A horrific incident unfolded on a school trip in Thailand, where a school bus caught fire near Bangkok, resulting in the deaths of more than 20 individuals, mostly children. Eyewitness accounts and government reports reveal that the bus was transporting 38 students and six teachers from Uthai Thani province to the capital for an excursion when tragedy struck. By the evening of the incident, 22 bodies had been recovered from the charred remains of the bus, with many victims burned beyond recognition.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, expressed deep concern, stating that around 25 people were feared dead. Only 19 individuals, including 16 children and three teachers, survived the inferno, with three children hospitalized for severe burns. The bus driver remains unaccounted for, raising questions about the circumstances leading to the fire.
Eyewitness Accounts and Investigation into Cause
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was triggered by a flat tire explosion, which caused the driver to lose control, resulting in the bus scraping against a road barrier before catching fire. The vehicle, which was gas-powered, is believed to have been particularly susceptible to flames, prompting the Ministry of Transport to consider a review of the safety of such vehicles on the roads.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, visibly shaken, conveyed her condolences to the families of the victims, stating, “As a mother, I feel the pain of those who have lost their children.” The tragedy highlights Thailand's ongoing struggle with road safety, as the country grapples with one of the highest rates of traffic-related fatalities globally. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for improved safety standards to prevent such disasters in the future.
