By Swift Uganda
At least 25 people have been confirmed dead following a horrible accident involving a school bus in Pathum Thani.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
The other two females and a boy used to attend the nearby Kyoani Primary School in Kitui County.
