A tragic incident occurred in Thailand when a school bus caught fire, resulting in the death of at least 23 children and staff members. The bus, which was transporting students and teachers, caught fire on a highway in Chachoengsao province, located just outside of Bangkok. Initial reports indicated that there were 25 individuals on board, with many feared dead due to the rapid spread of the flames which engulfed the vehicle shortly after it had set off for a school trip [source: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8780307/school-bus-catches-fire-in-thailand-kills-at-least-23/; https://www.rawstory.com/multiple-deaths-in-school-bus-fire-in-thailand-pm/].
Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion before witnessing the bus burst into flames. Many victims were reported to be young children who were trapped inside, and despite emergency services arriving promptly, attempts to rescue the occupants were hindered by the intensity of the fire [source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-01/thai-school-bus-catches-fire-with-25-people-feared-killed/104419712].
The Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, described the incident as a horrific tragedy and vowed to provide aid to the victims’ families. Preliminary investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire, with officials stating that it may have been sparked by a mechanical failure [source: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/25-feared-dead-school-bus-catches-fire-thailand-rcna173396].
This incident has raised concerns about vehicle safety and regulations in Thailand, especially regarding the transport of school children. The community is mourning the loss as tributes pour in for the young lives lost [source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/01/many-feared-dead-after-fire-on-school-bus-in-thailand]. Various media outlets are continuing to cover developments as the situation unfolds and more information becomes available [source: https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241001-multiple-deaths-in-school-bus-fire-in-thailand-pm-1].
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