Thailand school bus fire: Death toll rises to 25

At least 25 people, including 22 students and three teachers, were killed when a Thai bus caught fire in Pathum Thani province near Bangkok on October 1.

The bus was one of the three carrying children, aged from three to nine, from Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam school in the northern province of Uthai Thani.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra sent condolence messages to the families of those who lost their lives or were injured and said the government would cover medical costs and provide financial aid to the victims and the bereaved families.

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit visited the scene to instruct the investigation and provide assistance to survivors.

Initial reports said there were 44 on board, 38 students and six teachers. Three teachers and 16 students were rescued and taken to hospital.

Early assessments suggest that the bus’s front tire had burst, causing it to lose control, collide into a barrier and burst into flames.

Suriya said the transport ministry will also look into issues linked to compressed natural gas./.

VNA