A tragic incident in Thailand resulted in the deaths of at least 23 people when a school bus carrying more than 40 students and teachers caught fire on the outskirts of Bangkok. Forensic experts have identified 23 bodies, with an investigation into the causes of the fire currently underway. Sixteen students and three teachers were hospitalized for treatment following the incident. The bus was one of three transporting children from Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam school, ranging from kindergarten age to around 13 or 14 years old, from Uthai Thani province.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed condolences to the victims’ families and confirmed that the government would cover medical expenses and provide compensation to the families of the deceased. Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit reported that 44 people were on board the bus, including 38 students and six teachers. As of now, three teachers and 16 students have been safely evacuated, but there are still individuals unaccounted for. The bus caught fire in Pathum Thani province, near the Zeer Rangsit shopping mall and Don Mueang Airport.
Following the incident, emergency personnel and investigators remained on the scene to handle the aftermath of the tragedy. The police secured the crash area and examined the burnt-out bus, documenting the exterior and interior of the vehicle. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, raising questions about the safety of school transportation in Thailand. As the investigation continues, more details and information may come to light regarding the sequence of events that led to the deadly school bus fire. The entire community is mourning the loss of the victims and hoping for a swift recovery for those injured in the incident.
Authorities are working diligently to provide support and assistance to the families affected by the tragedy, highlighting the importance of school bus safety measures and emergency response protocols. The devastating nature of the incident has sparked calls for stricter regulations and oversight to prevent similar accidents in the future. The impact of the school bus fire in Thailand has reverberated through the country, prompting discussions about improving transportation standards and ensuring the well-being of students and teachers during field trips and daily commutes. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, efforts to enhance safety measures and emergency preparedness are being prioritized to prevent such heartbreaking incidents from occurring again.