Tragedy on the Road in Thailand: Bus Fire Claims Lives

By Ivan PetrenkoOct 1, 2024 16:20 PMNews
Share:
Elevated highway at night with blurred traffic lights
Nighttime traffic highlights the dangers of road conditions in Bangkok. Source: unsplash

A horrific accident occurred near Bangkok, claiming the lives of 23 schoolchildren and their teachers. The bus they were traveling in caught fire after a tire burst, causing it to crash into a roadside barrier. According to witnesses, the fire spread rapidly, leading to tragic consequences as passengers were unable to escape the burning vehicle. Out of the 45 people on board, 23 lost their lives, while the remaining 16 were taken to the hospital with various injuries. Their condition is still unknown.

The bus, which had been converted to run on compressed natural gas, raised concerns about the potential risk of an explosion from the gas canisters. Rescue teams continue to work at the scene, recovering the bodies and clearing the charred remains of the vehicle. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but it is believed to have started in the front part of the bus. Faulty emergency exits, which could have saved lives, are also under scrutiny, as passengers were reportedly unable to open them.

Road Safety Issues

Thailand has long been known for its poor road safety standards. Thousands of people die on the country's roads each year, but significant actions to improve the situation have yet to be taken by the authorities. The government has promised to investigate the causes of this tragedy, but similar incidents in the past have rarely led to any meaningful changes. Thailand's Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who recently became a mother, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. Her personal connection to the tragedy might push the government to take real steps to improve road safety, but similar promises have been made before with little to no result.

Tourists visiting Thailand should exercise extreme caution when using local transportation services, particularly intercity buses. Despite their seemingly attractive appearance and relatively low cost, road safety is often compromised. According to local media, up to 20,000 people die on Thailand’s roads each year, placing the country among those with the highest rates of road traffic accidents in the world.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
SunExpress aircraft in flight before landing

New Summer Route Links Liverpool with Türkiye’s Southern Coast

Jul 5, 2025 23:25 PM
Rail tracks leading into a bridge with visible construction and electrical infrastructure

Expect Train Delays as Shrewsbury–Crewe Route Closes for Repairs

Jul 5, 2025 21:41 PM

Six New Cities Added to KLM’s 2025 Network amid Growing Summer Traffic

Jul 5, 2025 19:38 PM

Steam Train Journeys Return with New Routes for Exploring Britain’s Nature and History This Summer

Jul 5, 2025 17:56 PM
Two Greater Anglia trains at a station platform under electric lines

Greater Anglia Introduces Fare Offers Ahead of Summer Festivals in East Anglia

Jul 5, 2025 16:43 PM
AirAsia airplane wing with logo against clear sky

AirAsia’s New Fleet Set to Unlock More Direct Long-Haul Flights for Travelers

Jul 5, 2025 15:39 PM
Rail maintenance machinery working on train tracks near passenger trains

Calabria Rail Maintenance Weekend Disrupts Key Travel Routes

Jul 4, 2025 23:27 PM
Passenger checking carry-on luggage at airport baggage claim

Finnair Reminds Passengers of Carry On Rules Ahead of New EU Liquid Restrictions

Jul 4, 2025 21:56 PM
Railway workers conducting track maintenance with tools and wooden sleeper

Cardiff Rail Upgrades Will Disrupt Weekend Travel and Affect Passengers

Jul 4, 2025 19:31 PM

Croatia Airlines Resumes Zagreb and Bucharest Flights Enhancing Travel Options for Passengers

Jul 4, 2025 17:28 PM

Munich to Casablanca Flights Resume, Opening Door to West Africa

Jul 4, 2025 15:45 PM
Manchester Piccadilly railway station with multiple platforms and trains during daytime

Rail Delays and Route Changes in Manchester During Oasis Concert Week

Jul 4, 2025 11:32 AM
Etihad Airways aircraft in flight against a clear blue sky

New Etihad Route Links Atlanta to Abu Dhabi Without Stopovers

Jul 3, 2025 23:21 PM
Passengers waiting at Oslo Gardermoen Airport gate with planes outside

Scandinavians Gain Direct Winter Flights to Phuket for Faster Access to Thailand’s Beaches

Jul 3, 2025 21:47 PM
Railway workers and machinery performing track maintenance at a train station

Train Disruptions and Upgrades on the Naples Bari Line Affect Travelers

Jul 3, 2025 20:34 PM

Three New Hotels to Open in Calgary’s Event District by 2030

Jul 3, 2025 18:23 PM

New Etihad Routes Open Direct Access to Krakow and Salalah

Jul 3, 2025 07:49 AM
Modern hotel bedroom with neutral tones and tufted headboard

Historic Helsinki Hotel to Join Waldorf Astoria Brand

Jul 3, 2025 05:36 AM
Qatar Airways aircraft approaching for landing against a clear blue sky

Malta Reconnects: Direct Flights Open Easy Access

Jul 2, 2025 23:24 PM
Modern hotel room with stylish neutral decor and soft lighting

Kyoto to Welcome New Midscale Hotel Near Key Transit and Attractions

Jul 2, 2025 21:41 PM
Silhouetted travelers walking through airport at sunset

Loganair Makes Temporary Offer for More Flexible Tickets and Baggage Allowance

Jul 2, 2025 19:37 PM
Modern bedroom with blush pink decor and minimalist lighting

Fresh Accommodation Choice Opens Near Florence’s Iconic Landmarks

Jul 2, 2025 18:25 PM

Frankfurt Launches Long-Haul Flights Amid Busy Holiday Travel

Jul 2, 2025 17:42 PM

New hotel in Turgutreis opens up another side of Bodrum

Jul 2, 2025 07:38 AM
SAS Airbus A320neo regional jet in flight under cloudy sky

SAS’s New Regional Jets Set to Expand Travel Options Across Scandinavia

Jul 1, 2025 22:46 PM
Bright modern hotel room with two neatly made twin beds and minimalist decor

InterContinental Expands to Brisbane CBD as City Prepares for 2032 Games

Jul 1, 2025 20:29 PM