Tragedy struck in Bangkok as a school bus carrying 38 children and six teachers burst into flames, leaving over 20 feared dead. Rescuers worked tirelessly to retrieve bodies from the charred wreckage, with victims so badly burned that DNA testing is needed for identification.
The blaze, which started on a highway in a northern suburb, resulted in the death of numerous young children, as survivors suffered horrific burns. The driver fled the scene, prompting a manhunt by the authorities.
The devastating incident occurred during a school trip to a science museum, with the bus catching fire after a tyre burst. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited the survivors and pledged government support for medical treatment and compensation for the families of the victims.
This tragic event highlights Thailand’s poor road safety record, with thousands of fatalities annually due to unsafe vehicles and poor driving. The economic impact of traffic deaths and injuries is significant, emphasizing the urgent need for improved safety measures.