A bus transporting 44 students and teachers from Uthai Thani burst into flames on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in Pathum Thani, killing 22 children and 3 teachers. Rescue workers reported 16 children and 3 teachers managed to escape.
The bus was one of three double-decker buses taking the students, aged between three and nine, on a field trip to the Electricity Generating Authority (EGAT) learning center in Nonthaburi province.
Rescue workers at the scene reported that the double-decker bus had a tire blowout before hitting the barrier and catching fire. It was found that the vehicle was fueled by compressed natural gas, and the fire started from the bottom.
A doctor from the public health department of Pathum Thani Province reported that the Public Health team was dispatched to the scene to help move the injured children and teachers. Eight were sent to hospitals near the incident scene, 6 to Rangsit Hospital and 2 to Rajavithi Hospital.
Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra briefly talked to reporters at Government House and stated that, as a mother, she would like to express her deepest condolences to the families of the injured and deceased.
She said that the government would cover the medical expenses and provide compensation to the families of the deceased before bursting into tears with grief over the incident and asking reporters to leave.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit traveled to investigate the incident and arrange help for the survivors and their families.
Transport Minister Mr. Juangroongruangkit said that his ministry would investigate the use of CNG as fuel in the ill-fated coach to determine its safety and whether it should continue to be used in vehicles.
Meanwhile, Mr. Anand Saowamarn, Director of Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School, issued a statement on Facebook advising parents of the students to contact the school for information about their children.
Source: MCOT
