Thai police are currently investigating the tragic incident involving a school bus fire that resulted in the deaths of 23 young students and teachers in suburban Bangkok. The authorities are looking into whether negligence played a role in the devastating event. Initial charges have been filed against the driver of the bus, who has been identified as Saman Chanput.
The fire broke out on the bus while it was transporting six teachers and 39 elementary and junior high school students. Tragically, the fire spread rapidly, leaving many passengers unable to escape in time.
The driver has been arrested and charged with reckless driving causing deaths and injuries, failing to stop to help others, and failing to report the accident. Police are also investigating the possibility of negligence on the part of both the driver and the bus company, with plans to press charges against all responsible parties.
Although initial investigations indicated that the driver was not speeding, authorities discovered that there were 11 natural gas canisters inside the bus, exceeding the permitted number of six. It is suspected that sparks from a friction incident, where the bus lost balance and made contact with another vehicle and a concrete barrier, may have ignited the highly flammable gas canisters.
The inspection of the bus revealed that the emergency exit could be opened, but its functionality was unclear. Additionally, no window breakers were found on the bus.
The families of the victims have been brought to Bangkok from Uthai Thani, the province where the bus originated, to provide DNA samples for identification purposes. Three students remain hospitalized, with two in serious condition. A young girl, aged 7, sustained burns on her face, and efforts are being made by medical professionals to preserve her eyesight.
In response to the tragic incident, Thailand's Department of Land Transport has initiated urgent inspections of all natural gas-fueled buses. The department plans to enhance safety guidelines, requiring crisis management training for drivers and safety inspections each time such vehicles are used for school transportation.
As a result of the investigation, the licenses for both the bus company and the driver have been suspended.
