National Mourning School Bus Accident: 32 Children Lost… See more

A devastating tragedy struck Thailand on October 1, 2024, when a school bus carrying 39 students and six teachers caught fire during a field trip from Uthai Thani province to Bangkok. The incident occurred on a highway in Pathum Thani, a northern suburb of Bangkok, resulting in 23 fatalities. The fire spread rapidly, leaving only 22 survivors. AP News+8People.com+8Reuters+8The Sun+3nationthailand+3CNN+3The Sun+4CNN+4nationthailand+4

Investigations revealed that the bus, which was over 50 years old, had been modified to run on compressed natural gas (CNG). It was equipped with 11 gas canisters, despite having a permit for only six. Authorities believe that a gas leak, possibly due to a loose tube, ignited when sparks from a malfunctioning front tire caused friction with a concrete barrier. CNNข่าวสด+5AP News+5CNN+5Voice of America+2The Sun+2AP News+2

In response to the tragedy, the Thai government ordered urgent safety inspections of all 13,000 CNG-fueled buses in the country. The Department of Land Transport also mandated crisis management training for drivers and stricter safety inspections for school buses. CNN+6Wikipedia+6Khaosod English+6AP News+3ข่าวสด+3Voice of America+3

A mass cremation ceremony was held on October 8, 2024, in Lan Sak, Uthai Thani province, to honor the victims. The ceremony was attended by government officials, including representatives of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and the general public. nationthailand+5CNN+5nationthailand+5ข่าวสด+2Voice of America+2AP News+2

The tragedy has sparked national outrage and led to calls for stricter safety measures in school transportation. The incident remains a poignant reminder of the importance of rigorous safety standards and oversight in protecting the lives of students and teachers during school activities.Wikipedia+4AP News+4CNN+4