A devastating school bus accident in Thailand has left a trail of destruction and grief, claiming the lives of 22 students and three teachers. The incident occurred on Phahon Yothin Road, a major thoroughfare connecting Bangkok to the north of the country, when the bus caught fire after crashing around 12:30 pm.
The bus, carrying 38 students and six teachers, was part of a three-bus fleet transporting students from a school in Uthai Thani province to Bangkok for an exhibition at the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand in Nonthaburi. Earlier in the day, the students had visited History Park in Ayutthaya.
According to local traffic radio network Jor Sor 100, the fire engulfed the bus, causing extensive damage to the vehicle. Photos shared by Fire & Rescue Thailand on Facebook showed the charred remains of the bus, with seats and the exterior completely destroyed.
The identities of the deceased have not been confirmed, but the students on board, ranging from kindergarteners to fourth graders, are said to be in shock. Firefighters have been deployed to provide care and support to the young survivors.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her condolences on social media, saying, “As a mother, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of the injured and deceased. The government will take care of the medical expenses and provide compensation to the families of the deceased.”
An investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway. Preliminary reports suggest that a tyre burst on the highway, causing the bus to crash into a barrier. However, the bus driver, who was not at the scene of the accident, remains uncontactable, and authorities are working to locate them.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves throughout the country, and an outpouring of condolences has been expressed by the public and government officials alike. As the investigation continues, the nation mourns the loss of young lives and prays for the speedy recovery of those injured.