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

A national tragedy struck Thailand on October 1, 2024, when a school bus carrying 44 passengers—38 students and six teachers—caught fire on a highway in Pathum Thani Province, near Bangkok. The inferno claimed the lives of 23 individuals, including 20 students and 3 teachers, with 19 students and three teachers surviving, many with severe injuries .bbc.co.uk+8en.wikipedia.org+8apnews.com+8

The Incident

The bus, operated by Chinnabut Tour, was en route from Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School in Uthai Thani Province to a field trip in Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi. The fire is believed to have been triggered by a tire explosion, which caused the bus to veer off course and collide with a barrier. The vehicle, powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), was equipped with 11 gas canisters, exceeding the permitted six, raising concerns about safety standards .people.com+4en.wikipedia.org+4bbc.co.uk+4npr.org+2people.com+2thesun.co.uk+2apnews.com+2voanews.com+2apnews.com+2

Aftermath and Response

In the wake of the disaster, King Maha Vajiralongkorn ordered a royal cremation ceremony for the victims. A mass funeral was held in Lan Sak, attended by hundreds, including government officials and a representative of the royal family . The Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec) has provided substantial financial support to the victims’ families, totaling 46 million baht, and is planning a memorial project to honor the lost lives .apnews.com+2voanews.com+2bbc.com+2bbc.co.uk+4en.wikipedia.org+4bbc.com+4theasialive.com

Legal and Safety Reforms

The bus driver, who turned himself in, has been charged with reckless driving causing deaths and injuries . In response to the incident, Thai authorities have initiated urgent inspections of all CNG-powered buses and are reviewing safety protocols for school excursions to prevent future tragedies .npr.org+3bbc.com+3bbc.co.uk+3en.wikipedia.org+4voanews.com+4apnews.com+4

This devastating event has sparked a national conversation about transportation safety and the need for stricter regulations to protect students during school-related travel.

Thailand Mourns Victims of School Bus Fire

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