School bus catches fire in Thailand, 25 on board feared dead

A tragic incident occurred in suburban Bangkok on Tuesday when a bus carrying young students and their teachers caught fire, leaving 25 people feared dead, according to officials and rescuers. The bus, which was transporting 44 passengers from Uthai Thani province to Ayutthaya for a school trip, caught fire around noon in Pathum Thani province, a northern suburb of Bangkok.

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruengkit reported that the fire broke out after the bus scraped against a road barrier, possibly triggered by a tyre explosion. Rescue efforts were delayed as the bus remained too hot to enter, with bodies still inside hours after the fire started.

Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that while officials had not yet confirmed the final death toll, 25 people were feared dead based on the number of survivors.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her condolences on social media, pledging government support for medical expenses and compensation for the victims’ families.

Disturbing footage shared on social media showed the bus engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Rescuers at the scene reported finding at least 10 bodies on the bus, though the age and identities of the students remain unknown. Investigations are ongoing.

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