Twenty children and three teachers tragically lost their lives in a devastating bus crash near Bangkok, Thailand. The bus, which was carrying primary school students returning from a trip, caught fire under an overpass. The driver of the bus handed himself in to police shortly after the incident occurred.
Witnesses described how the bus crashed into a concrete barrier after a tire burst, leading to a massive fire that engulfed the vehicle. Despite the driver’s attempts to extinguish the flames, many passengers were unable to escape. The exact cause of the fire is still unknown, but the bus was powered by compressed natural gas, which officials deemed as extremely risky.
Rescuers struggled to identify the badly burnt bodies of the victims, highlighting the severity of the crash. Many of the bodies found were children, and the ages of those on board ranged from three to 15 years old. This devastating incident sheds light on Thailand’s poor road safety record, with thousands of fatalities reported annually due to unsafe vehicles and reckless driving.
As authorities launch an investigation into the crash, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized the importance of analyzing tire marks, burning traces, and CCTV footage to determine the sequence of events leading to the tragedy. The survivors, including 19 children and three teachers, are currently receiving medical treatment for their injuries.
This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced on Thailand’s roads and the urgent need for improved safety measures in the transportation sector. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time.
