A devastating fire on a bus carrying young students and their teachers has left over 20 people feared dead in suburban Bangkok, Thailand. The bus, transporting 44 passengers from central Uthai Thani province for a school trip to Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi provinces, became engulfed in flames on Tuesday afternoon.
Videos posted on social media captured the horrifying scene as the bus was consumed by fire, with thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the air. Hours after the fire was extinguished, bodies remained inside the bus, prompting a grim search and rescue operation. The students on board were reportedly from elementary and junior high schools.
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed that officials could not yet determine the exact number of fatalities, as the investigation was ongoing. The bus driver, who survived, was reportedly missing. Early reports estimated the death toll at 25, but rescuers later confirmed that two more survivors had been found, reducing the number of missing to 23 — three teachers and 20 students.
Rescue crews were able to access the bus several hours after the fire was extinguished. Piyalak Thinkaew, a rescuer from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, reported that the bodies, most of which were found in the middle and back seats, led them to believe the fire originated at the front of the bus.
Thai media and rescuers indicated that the bus was en route to Nonthaburi when the fire erupted around noon in Pathum Thani province, a northern suburb of Bangkok. A rescuer at the scene told Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruengkit that the fire likely began after a tire explosion caused the bus to scrape against a road barrier.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed condolences in a social media post, pledging government support for medical expenses and compensation for the victims’ families. The PatRangsit Hospital, located near the incident, reported that they had admitted three young girls, one of whom sustained burns to her face, mouth, and eye.
This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of unexpected accidents and serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures in public transportation.
