Tragic Bus Fire Claims 23 Lives in Thailand
THAILAND – A devastating bus fire in Khu Khot, Lam Luk Ka District, on October 1, 2024, claimed the lives of 23 individuals, including 20 students.
The bus, operated by Chinbut Tour, was transporting 44 passengers—38 students and six teachers—on a field trip to historical sites when tragedy struck. Initial reports indicate that a tire explosion caused the vehicle to lose control and collide with a roadside barrier, igniting a fire in the lower section of the bus, fueled by natural gas.
The crash occurred at 12:29 PM on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, with eyewitnesses describing a chaotic scene as passengers attempted to escape. Tragically, 16 students and three teachers were able to flee, but 23 passengers perished, including young students from various grade levels and three teachers, one of whom was a trainee. Eight individuals sustained injuries, with some requiring hospitalization.
This incident highlights Thailand’s concerning traffic safety record, which sees approximately 20,000 fatalities annually, primarily due to unsafe driving practices. The crash also follows a series of recent school bus accidents in the country, raising alarms about the safety of transporting young students.
The bus was part of a caravan from Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School in Uthai Thani Province, en route to Wat Phra Si Sanphet and an EGAT center. In the aftermath, the driver initially fled the scene but later turned himself in. CCTV footage showed him attempting to open various doors in a desperate effort to help passengers escape the flames.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra extended her condolences and planned to visit the victims’ families. The incident has sparked public outcry, with many calling for a reevaluation of safety measures for long-distance field trips involving young children.