23 people are killed in a fire on a Thai school bus

There were more than 40 children and teachers on a field trip when a school bus caught fire on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand, on Tuesday. At least 23 people died.

Trairong Phiwpan, the commissioner of forensic science, told reporters that 23 bodies have been identified and that a probe is now underway to find out what happened.

Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said that 16 children and 3 teachers were taken to the hospital to get help.

Some parts of the bus were still on fire as pictures of thick gray smoke pouring out of it were shared on social media and picked up by local news sites.

The fire was put out in the end. A photographer for Reuters saw police cars, fire trucks, and rescue vehicles parked around the burned-out car, with a group of firemen at the door.

Teacher told us that the fire started very quickly, said Kittirat Phanphet, acting police chief, at a press briefing.

After talking to witnesses, he said, “We think the explosion was caused by a spark from the tire that lit the gas cylinder that was powering the vehicle.” He also said that some students got out of the building through a window.

“We are investigating all individuals, including the bus company to see if this was a case of negligence.”

Suriya, the Transport Minister, said that the bus was a natural gas vehicle (NGV).

They came from the province of Uthai Thani, which is about 250 km (155 miles) north of the city, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said.

That same day, she wrote on X, “As a mother, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families.”