A devastating tragedy struck Thailand on October 1, 2024, when a school bus carrying 39 students and six teachers caught fire during a field trip from Uthai Thani province to Bangkok. The incident occurred on a highway in Pathum Thani, a northern suburb of Bangkok, resulting in 23 fatalities. The fire spread rapidly, leaving only 22 survivors

Investigations revealed that the bus, which was over 50 years old, had been modified to run on compressed natural gas (CNG). It was equipped with 11 gas canisters, despite having a permit for only six. Authorities believe that a gas leak, possibly due to a loose tube, ignited when sparks from a malfunctioning front tire caused friction with a concrete barrier

In response to the tragedy, the Thai government ordered urgent safety inspections of all 13,000 CNG-fueled buses in the country. The Department of Land Transport also mandated crisis management training for drivers and stricter safety inspections for school buses

A mass cremation ceremony was held on October 8, 2024, in Lan Sak, Uthai Thani province, to honor the victims. The ceremony was attended by government officials, including representatives of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and the general public.

The tragedy has sparked national outrage and led to calls for stricter safety measures in school transportation. The incident remains a poignant reminder of the importance of rigorous safety standards and oversight in protecting the lives of students and teachers during school activities.Wikipedia+4AP News+4CNN+4

Thailand Mourns Victims of School Bus Fire