Bangkok, Thailand – A tragic incident unfolded today as a devastating fire engulfed a school bus in the outskirts of Bangkok, resulting in the deaths of up to 25 individuals, including students and teachers.
The bus, which was one of three transporting children from Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam school, was carrying 44 individuals in total when the fire broke out. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her condolences to the families of the victims. Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit stated that while some individuals managed to escape, 25 people remained unaccounted for following the blaze.
The catastrophe began when a tire blew out on the bus while traveling on a highway in a northern Bangkok suburb, leading to a collision with a barrier and subsequent ignition. Distressing video footage captured the bus consumed by flames under an overpass, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
Rescue efforts were hindered by the intensity of the fire, with bodies of the deceased being recovered from the charred remains of the bus. Medical personnel attending to survivors reported severe burns to the faces, mouths, and eyes of some children who managed to escape the inferno.
The incident highlights broader concerns regarding road safety in Thailand, a country with a significant number of annual traffic-related fatalities. The World Health Organization reports approximately 20,000 individuals losing their lives on Thai roads each year, pointing to issues such as substandard vehicles and reckless driving as contributing factors to the grim statistics.
As the investigation continues and the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, authorities emphasize the need for enhanced safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The loss of young lives in this devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety practices and stricter enforcement of regulations in Thailand.