Tragic Bus Blaze Claims 23 Lives, Investigation Underway
PUBLISHED: 8 Oct 2024 at 15:20
UPDATED: 8 Oct 2024 at 20:02
On Tuesday, families and friends gathered at Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School in Uthai Thani to honor the memories of 20 students and three teachers who tragically lost their lives in a bus fire. A royally sponsored cremation ceremony took place, presided over by Privy Councillor Gen Surayud Chulanont on behalf of His Majesty the King.
The event drew thousands of mourners, including parents, family members, and friends, some of whom traveled from across provinces. Officials reported that seating for 6,000 was completely filled, reflecting the widespread sorrow felt by the community.
Seven temporary crematoriums were established at the school, with two additional units on standby. Each cremation took approximately 40 minutes. The somber ceremony continued into the afternoon as attendees expressed their condolences and fond farewells.
As investigations into the cause of the devastating blaze progressed, police revealed initial findings indicating that a gas leak at the front of the bus was responsible for the fire. The reason for the gas leak and the source of the ignition still remain undetermined, according to authorities.
The bus, carrying 39 students and six teachers on a field trip to Ayutthaya and Bangkok, was retrofitted to use natural gas, with reports indicating that extra gas tanks had been installed illegally. The tragic incident occurred on October 1, when the bus burst into flames in the Rangsit area of Lam Luk Ka district.
The driver, Samarn Chanphut, 48, stated that a tire blowout led to a loss of control, resulting in a collision with a median barrier after the fire broke out. He fled the scene but later surrendered to police and faces multiple serious charges, including recklessness leading to fatalities. The bus owner has yet to face charges.
The school has since canceled further field trips, ensuring the safe return of students and teachers from the other two buses involved in the trip.
Global Sympathy Expressed
Pope Francis has extended his heartfelt condolences to the victims of the bus fire. In a message conveyed through the Apostolic Nuncio to Thailand, Archbishop Peter B Wells, the Pope expressed his sorrow over the tragedy and offered prayers for the grieving families.
Archbishop Wells emphasized that this message signifies Pope Francis’ solidarity with the Thai people during such challenging times.
