25 feared dead as school bus catches fire in Bangkok
A school bus carrying students and teachers caught fire in suburban Bangkok on Tuesday, with officials fearing that 25 passengers may have died. The bus was en route from Uthai Thani province to Ayutthaya for a school trip when the incident took place around noon in Pathum Thani province. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the exact number of fatalities could not be confirmed due to ongoing investigations.
Prime Minister expresses condolences, promises support
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra took to social media platform X to express her condolences, assuring that the government would cover medical expenses and compensate the victims' families. "As a mother, I extend my deepest sympathies to all families affected by this tragic incident," she wrote. Videos circulating on social media showed the bus fully engulfed in flames with thick black smoke billowing out while it was parked on the road.
Tire explosion suspected as cause of deadly fire
A rescuer at the scene suggested that the fire might have started after a tire exploded and the vehicle scraped against a road barrier. Rescue group Hongsakul Khlong Luang 21 reported finding at least 10 bodies on the bus. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruengkit confirmed that 19 people, including 16 students and three teachers, were sent to a medical facility for treatment following this incident.
