Tragic Thailand School Bus Fire Claims 23 Lives in Shocking Crash

In a heartbreaking incident just outside Bangkok, 23 people, including 20 school children, lost their lives when a school bus caught fire after a devastating crash. The bus, returning to the Thai capital from a school trip to the northern part of the country, collided with a concrete barrier after a front tire burst, causing a rapid and deadly fire.

Videos from the scene showed thick, black smoke engulfing the bus under an overpass as flames quickly consumed the vehicle. Passersby and witnesses could only watch helplessly as the intense blaze made it impossible for many inside to escape.

The driver of the bus, who initially attempted to extinguish the fire, fled the scene but later surrendered to the authorities. The tragic crash took place approximately 100 kilometers (61 miles) north of Bangkok. Although the exact cause of the fire is still unknown, investigators are focusing on the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) to power the vehicle—a highly flammable fuel source.

Local officials, including Transport Minister Suriyahe Juangroongruangkit, expressed their concerns over the dangers of CNG-powered vehicles. “This type of fuel is extremely risky, especially for passenger vehicles. We must find measures to ensure such incidents do not happen again,” he said.

First responders, including firefighters and forensic police, faced grim conditions as they worked to recover the bodies from the wreckage. Many of the victims were found huddled at the back of the bus, as they had attempted to escape the inferno. Rescuers struggled to identify the victims due to the severity of the burns. Of the 23 bodies recovered, 11 were male, seven were female, and five remain unidentifiable.

There were 42 passengers aboard the bus, and the tragedy left 19 survivors, including three teachers. Sixteen people are currently receiving medical treatment for their injuries. Authorities are conducting a full investigation, analyzing tire marks and CCTV footage to piece together the details of the accident.

Thailand is known for having one of the highest road fatality rates globally, with approximately 20,000 deaths each year due to poor vehicle safety standards and hazardous driving conditions. The school bus fire has reignited public concern over road safety and the need for stricter regulations.

As Thailand mourns this devastating loss, the investigation will continue to focus on improving safety standards, especially for school transportation, in an effort to prevent such a tragic incident from happening again.