Five Buses Seized as Authorities Investigate Improper Natural Gas Conversions
PUBLISHED: 3 Oct 2024 at 18:35
The owner of the bus involved in a tragic fire that claimed the lives of 23 students and teachers in Pathum Thani attempted to conceal additional gas cylinders on other buses within the fleet, according to the Department of Land Transport.
Following the company’s failure to present five buses for mandated inspections, officials tracked them via GPS to a garage in Nakhon Ratchasima, where they were seized during the removal of their gas cylinders, stated Jirut Wisanjit, the department’s director-general.
Additional cylinders were discovered to be illegally installed on the buses at the garage located in tambon Khok Kruad of Muang district, highlighting an intent to obscure violations related to unauthorized vehicle modifications.
The five seized buses were part of a fleet of six, which included the vehicle that caught fire and led to the deaths of 20 students and three teachers during a field trip earlier this week.
The involved bus had been operational for over 50 years and had undergone numerous modifications. Its latest conversion to natural gas did not meet safety standards, prompting the suspension of its operator’s license while investigations continue.
Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phewphan, head of the police forensic science unit, reported that the bus contained more gas cylinders than allowed, confirming evidence of regulatory violations.
Forensic investigations revealed that 11 cylinders were present in the bus, with only six properly installed in compliance with transport authorities. Initial findings also indicated that a gas leak occurred prior to the fire; however, the exact cause of the blaze has yet to be determined.
Officials are conducting checks on gas cylinders to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Seized buses remain parked at the Department of Land Transport facility in Nakhon Ratchasima.
