In a heartbreaking incident in Thailand, a bus carrying students and teachers on a school trip caught fire, resulting in a devastating loss of life. The accident, which took place in Pathum Thani province, a suburb of Bangkok, leftover 20 people feared dead. Among the incidents, 45 passengers were on the bus, six were teachers, and 39 were students. One teacher, Kanokwan Sripong, became a national hero when she sacrificed her life to protect her students. This tragedy has shocked the nation and raised serious concerns about road safety in Thailand. Let’s take a closer look at the survivors’ details and stories.
The Tragic Bus Fire Incident
The bus from Uthai Thani to Pathum Thani suddenly caught fire after a tire explosion ignited a blaze on the natural gas-powered vehicle. Acting Police Commissioner Kitrat Phanphet’s initial investigations suggested no other vehicles were involved in the accident.
All the rescue teams and police faced immense challenges in responding to the disaster, with the intense heat from the flames delaying their efforts to enter the bus for hours. Videos of the incident rapidly circulated on social media, showing the bus fully consumed by flames, with dense black smoke and fire billowing into the sky. Thailand Government official reports have confirmed that 23 people have lost their lives, including three teachers and 20 students.
“This incident is a source of deep sorrow and grief. We will ensure transparency and not distort any facts,” said Commissioner Phanphet.
Police and rescue teams try to identify the bodies, while survivors have shared their terrifying experiences of escaping the burning bus. Some could flee through the doors, while others were forced to jump out of windows. One surviving teacher recounted how fast the fire spread inside the bus, leaving little time to react. In the chaos, she could not even grab her phone before escaping.
The Heroic and Dedicated Act of Teacher Kanokwan Sripong
Among the many tragic stories that emerged from this incident, the bravery of teacher Kanokwan Sripong stands out. Rescuers found her body shielding a child in her arms, a heartbreaking testament to her selfless act of protection.
Kanokwan recently graduated and proudly celebrated this achievement with her family. She wrote in a social media post, “Five years to complete the journey. To become the pride of my mother. If father were still alive, he would be proud of his daughter.”
Her story resonated deeply worldwide, highlighting her dedication to her students, even when they were in imminent danger.
Survivors’ Stories and Rescue Efforts
Survivors recounted their experiences of the terrifying blaze. One teacher described how quickly the fire engulfed the bus, leaving passengers with little time to react. Some escaped through the bus’s doors, while others were forced to jump out of windows to avoid the spreading flames.
Rescue workers from the Ruam Katanyu Foundation described a grim scene inside the bus, with most of the bodies found in the middle and back seats. They believed the victims had moved away from the fire, which started at the front of the bus, in an attempt to escape.
Sixteen students were treated for minor injuries and released, while three others remained hospitalized. Among them was a seven-year-old girl who sustained burns to her face, mouth, and eyes. Doctors are working to save her eyesight.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited the injured in the hospital and extended her condolences to the victims’ families. She promised that the government would cover medical expenses and support those affected. During a tearful press conference, she expressed the sorrow felt by the entire nation.
Road Safety Concerns in Thailand
This tragic incident has ignited a broader discussion about road safety in Thailand, a country known for having one of the highest traffic accident rates globally. The World Health Organization has reported that each year in Thailand, road accidents result in 20,000 deaths and over a million injuries.
The Pathum Thani bus fire has drawn attention to the risks associated with long-distance travel for schoolchildren. Public outcry following the accident has called for urgent action to improve the safety standards for school buses. Investigations are underway to determine whether the bus company responsible for the vehicle met safety standards, and if found negligent, they may face charges.
Conclusion
Teacher Kanokwan Sripong’s selfless sacrifice stands as a profound example of the courage and dedication that educators embody. Her bravery on that tragic day has left a lasting impact on the hearts of many. As Thailand mourns the loss of young lives, the incident has prompted widespread calls for change. Improved safety standards for school trips and stricter regulations for transportation companies are urgently needed to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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