22 Students, 3 Teachers Killed as Bus Catches Fire While Returning from School Trip

On Tuesday, October 1, a bus ferrying students from a field trip burst into flames in Thailand, killing 22 students and six teachers
Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said 16 students and three teachers were sent to nearby hospitals for treatment
Rescue workers said 15 of the dead passengers were primary school pupils, and six were high schoolers

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Thailand – At least 25 people have been confirmed dead following a horrible accident involving a school bus in Pathum Thani.

Firefighters at the scene of the Thailand school bus accident. Photo: The Informer.
Source: UGC

Bangkok Post reported that a school bus ferrying 38 students and six teachers on a trip burst into flames along the highway on Tuesday, October 1.

What the transport minister said about Thailand accident

Government officials said 20 students and three teachers died on the spot after being burnt beyond recognition.

Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said 16 other students and three teachers were sent to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The minister said that the causes of the horrible accident were being investigated.

The bus driver, identified as Samarn Chankut, fled the scene. His mobile phone was turned off, and an arrest warrant will be issued for him.

Acting national police chief Pol Lt Gen Kittirat Phunphet said preliminary investigations indicate a tyre burst caused the fire.

“From speaking to witnesses, we believe the explosion was caused by a spark from the tyre that lit the gas cylinder that was powering the vehicle. We are investigating all individuals, including the bus company to see if this was a case of negligence,” Phunphet said.

How many kindergarten kids died in Thailand bus accident?

Rescue workers said 15 of the dead passengers were primary school pupils, and six were high schoolers.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her deep condolences to the victims’ families and stated that the government would cover medical costs.

“The government will cover medical costs and provide compensation for those who lost their lives,” Shinawatra said at the scene.

How six students died in Kitui

Back in Kenya, it emerged that three of the six children who were hit and killed by a speeding vehicle at Kyoani Market in Ikutha, along Kibwezi Road, were from the same family.

Neighbours established the identities of the six children as they quickly responded to the accident.

The pupils included two Form Three girls and a Form One girl, all of whom were students at the nearby Kyoani Secondary School.