A school bus carrying a group of students caught fire near Bangkok on Tuesday, resulting in at least 10 fatalities, while 13 additional individuals remain unaccounted for and are feared dead, according to Thai officials.
The majority of those who lost their lives or are still missing were children and teenagers aged between 6 and 16 years old. Additionally, more than a dozen individuals have been hospitalized with injuries.
The bus was transporting approximately 45 students and teachers from a school in Uthai Thani province to the Provincial Electricity Authority in the Thai capital for a field trip when it ignited on a highway, as reported by authorities.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation; however, initial assessments based on witness accounts and CCTV footage indicate that a front tire may have blown out, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
The bus then struck a barrier before bursting into flames, stated Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul during a news conference at the accident scene. He mentioned that while the bus driver survived, he fled the scene.
Bus Catches Fire in Thailand (Photo: AFP)
Kittharath Punpetch, the acting commissioner general of the Royal Thai Police, stated on Tuesday evening local time that authorities were still confirming the total number of fatalities. He noted that some victims were trapped beneath their seats, and many sustained severe burns, complicating identification efforts.
Survivors recounted to local news outlets that the fire spread rapidly throughout the passenger area. They added that the bus doors were malfunctioning, preventing many passengers from escaping.
Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, who visited the site of the incident, reported that the bus was powered by compressed natural gas. While this fuel is less expensive than petroleum, it can be more explosive under pressure.
“This is a very tragic incident,” he remarked. “The ministry must find a way to prohibit passenger vehicles like this from using such fuel, as it poses significant risks.”
In a statement, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra assured that the government would cover the medical expenses of those injured and provide compensation to the families of the deceased. “As a mother, I express my deepest condolences,” she added.
