Bangkok: A tragic incident occurred in suburban Bangkok on Tuesday when a bus carrying young students and their teachers caught fire, leaving 25 people feared dead. The bus was transporting 44 passengers from Uthai Thani province to Ayutthaya for a school trip when it caught fire around noon in Pathum Thani, a northern suburb of the capital.
Fire After Tire Explosion
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruengkit, speaking at the scene, stated that the fire likely started after one of the bus's tires exploded, causing the vehicle to scrape against a road barrier. The crash sparked a fire that quickly engulfed the bus, trapping passengers inside. Videos shared on social media showed the bus fully engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke pouring out.
Death Toll May Increase
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said that officials could not yet confirm the number of fatalities as the investigation was ongoing. He feared that 25 people may have died, based on the number of survivors. The bus remained too hot for rescuers to enter for hours, with bodies still trapped inside.
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Prime Minister Offers Condolences
Thailandâs Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, expressed her condolences on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). She pledged that the government would cover medical expenses and offer compensation to the victims' families.
Rescue Efforts Continue
Rescue group Hongsakul Khlong Luang 21, which responded to the scene, posted on Facebook that they had recovered at least 10 bodies from the wreckage. As investigations continue, authorities are still working to determine the ages and identities of the students involved.