A tragic incident unfolded in suburban Bangkok on Tuesday when a bus carrying young students and their teachers caught fire, resulting in a devastating outcome. The bus, which was transporting 44 passengers from Uthai Thani province to Ayutthaya for a school trip, became engulfed in flames around noon in Pathum Thani province, a northern suburb of the capital.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruengkit informed reporters at the scene about the distressing situation. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed that while the exact number of fatalities is yet to be confirmed, based on the number of survivors, it is feared that 25 individuals have lost their lives. The intensity of the fire has prevented officials from accessing the bus to conduct a thorough investigation.
Heart-wrenching visuals captured the bus being consumed by fire, emitting thick black smoke as it sat parked on the road. The bodies of the victims remained inside the bus for hours following the tragic incident. Details regarding the age and identities of the students involved have not been disclosed at this time.
According to a rescuer present at the scene, the fire is believed to have originated after a tire explosion caused the bus to collide with a road barrier. The rescue group Hongsakul Khlong Luang 21 shared on social media that they discovered at least 10 bodies within the bus, further underscoring the severity of the situation.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the bus fire as the community mourns the loss of those impacted by this devastating event.
