At least 25 people are feared dead following a tragic incident where a school bus burst into flames in suburban Bangkok on Tuesday. The bus, carrying 44 passengers from central Uthai Thani province to Bangkok for a school trip, caught fire around noon in Pathum Thani province, a northern suburb of the capital, as confirmed by Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruengkit at the scene.
Officials, including Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, stated that they could not definitively confirm the number of fatalities as the investigation at the scene is ongoing. However, based on the number of survivors, they fear that 25 individuals may have lost their lives in the tragic incident. Videos shared on social media illustrate the devastating sight of the entire bus engulfed in flames, emitting large plumes of black smoke while parked on the road.
Details regarding the age and identities of the students onboard the bus have not yet been disclosed. A rescuer at the scene informed Suriya that the fire likely originated after one of the tires exploded and the vehicle came into contact with a road barrier. Reportedly, rescuers from Hongsakul Khlong Luang 21 discovered at least 10 bodies inside the bus, adding to the somber toll of the incident.
The community is left reeling from the heartbreaking event, and authorities are actively involved in the ongoing investigation to determine the cause of the fire and the exact number of casualties. News of the incident has sparked conversations and expressions of grief among Independent readers and followers, highlighting the need for safety measures and precautionary steps in all forms of transportation. The authorities continue to work diligently to provide updates and support to those affected by this devastating tragedy.