Tragic bus fire in Pathum Thani
A bus carrying 44 passengers, including students and teachers, caught fire in Pathum Thani province, a suburb of Bangkok, on Tuesday.
The passengers were travelling from Uthai Thani province on a field trip to Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi provinces.
As reported by multiple news outlets, the fire broke out around noon after the bus reportedly scraped against a road barrier, possibly due to a tyre explosion.
Casualty reports and rescue efforts
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that based on the number of survivors, approximately 25 people are feared dead.
According to local rescue group Hongsakul Khlong Luang 21, at least 10 bodies have been recovered.
Meanwhile, 19 survivors were confirmed, including 16 students and three teachers who were transported to a hospital for treatment, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruengkit confirmed.
Government response
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed the tragedy on social media platform X, expressing condolences to the victims’ families.
He also confirmed that the government would cover medical expenses and offer compensation to the families affected by the incident.
The driver of the bus survived but has yet to be located by authorities, according to reports.
Investigation and eyewitness accounts
Videos shared on social media show the bus completely engulfed in flames, with thick smoke visible from a considerable distance.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the fire, although the suspected tyre explosion remains under investigation.
The incident has drawn significant attention, with calls for a thorough investigation into vehicle safety and the circumstances leading to the accident.
Bus fire in Pathum Thani leaves 25 feared dead, many survivors hospitalised: Summary
A tragic bus fire occurred on Tuesday in Pathum Thani, a suburb of Bangkok, claiming the lives of an estimated 25 people.
The vehicle was transporting 44 passengers, including students and teachers, on a field trip when a suspected tyre explosion caused the bus to scrape a road barrier and catch fire.
Rescue efforts led to the recovery of at least 10 bodies, while 19 individuals survived, with several transported to hospital for treatment.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra confirmed that the government would cover medical expenses and provide compensation to the victims’ families.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.