Bangkok, Thailand — A devastating fire on a school bus on the outskirts of Bangkok claimed the lives of at least 23 people, including students and teachers from Uthai Thani province, authorities reported Tuesday. The tragedy occurred during a field trip, involving more than 40 passengers, when their vehicle caught fire under unclear circumstances.
Forensic Science Commissioner Trairong Phiwpan confirmed the death toll, announcing that 23 victims had been identified thus far. The investigation into the fire’s origins is ongoing, with initial speculations pointing to a technical malfunction as the potential cause.
The incident prompted a swift response from emergency services, with images circulating on social media showing thick smoke and flames engulfing the bus. Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit stated that 16 students and three teachers were rushed to the hospital for treatment following the fire, which was later extinguished by firefighters.
At a press conference, acting Police Chief Kittirat Phanphet suggested that the blaze might have originated from a spark from the bus’s tire, igniting a gas cylinder used to power the vehicle. “The bus was a natural gas vehicle (NGV), and the explosion appears to have been triggered by a malfunction in this system,” explained Suriya. According to Kittirat, some of the passengers managed to escape through the windows amidst the chaos.
Authorities are thoroughly investigating the incident, scrutinizing the bus company for potential negligence. “We are looking into all possible angles, including the vehicle’s maintenance records and the safety protocols followed by the bus company,” Kittirat added.
The tragedy has drawn national attention, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressing her condolences. “As a mother, this tragedy resonates deeply with me, and my heart goes out to all the families affected during this difficult time,” she stated in a message posted on social media.
The students, hailing from a school in Uthai Thani, approximately 250 kilometers north of Bangkok, were reportedly on an educational trip aimed at enriching their learning experience outside the classroom.
The community and officials are now focused on providing support to the survivors and the bereaved families, as they begin to cope with the aftermath of this distressing event. Safety regulations concerning school transportation and the use of NGVs are also expected to undergo stringent reviews to prevent such incidents in the future.