Amid the solemn stillness of the Rangsit area in Pathum Thani, offerings of flowers, bottled water, milk, and various snacks were tenderly placed on the footpath on Wednesday. This heartfelt gesture was a tribute to the victims of the tragic bus inferno that unfolded on Tuesday. In the aftermath of this catastrophe, which claimed the lives of at least 20 students and three cherished teachers, the community is left grappling with a profound sense of loss. (Photo: Pongpat Wongyala)
The harrowing incident has led to significant police action. Authorities have pressed four grave charges against the bus driver, Samarn Chankut, who fled the scene immediately after the disaster. Later, in a twist of fate and perhaps conscience, Mr. Samarn turned himself in to the police in Ang Thong’s Wiset Chai Chan district on Tuesday night. Subsequently, he was transported back to Pathum Thani’s Khu Khut police station for exhaustive questioning.
Pol Maj Gen Chayanont Meesati, the deputy chief of Provincial Police Region 1, disclosed that Mr. Samarn expressed deep shock as the reason for his sudden departure from the inferno’s site. Greatly distressed, he sought refuge at a relative’s house in Ang Thong after the incident. His distraught confession paints a vivid image of his turmoil during the critical moments following the catastrophe.
The ill-fated bus was part of a three-bus convoy ferrying students from Uthai Thani to an educational exhibit organized by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand in Bang Kruai, Nonthaburi. The serenity of their journey was brutally shattered around noon on inbound Vibhavadi Rangsit road, near the bustling Zeer Rangsit shopping center in Lam Luk Ka district. It was here that the bus tragically met its fiery end, leaving a community in mourning.
Mr. Samarn recounted the incident in stark detail. As they traveled at a speed of 70-80 kilometers per hour, he felt the bus lose balance suddenly, almost as if it had struck a deep pothole. The situation quickly deteriorated, with the vehicle resembling the frightening outcome of either a blown-out tire or an airbag failure. Losing control, the bus careened into a Mercedes Benz and then violently collided with the median barrier. Flames rapidly engulfed the bus, spreading with a terrifying ferocity.
In response to the alarming event, Pol Maj Gen Chayanont initially pressed four significant charges against Mr. Samarn: reckless driving causing danger to people or property, reckless driving causing death, careless driving resulting in physical or mental harm to others, and failing to provide necessary assistance post-accident. These charges reflect the severity of the situation and the sense of justice sought by the community.
Investigations are still underway to fully understand the mechanical failures that led to this disaster. Forensic results and a detailed report on the bus’s condition, including its gas tank conversion, are eagerly awaited. These will determine if further charges are warranted against the bus operator, emphasizing the importance of stringent safety and regulatory measures.
The bus was transporting 38 students, ranging from Kindergarten 2 to Mathayom 3, alongside six dedicated teachers from Wat Khao Praya Sangkharam school in Uthai Thani’s Lan Sak district. The inferno’s devastating toll confirmed the deaths of 20 students and three teachers, casting a long shadow over what was meant to be an enlightening field trip. The survivors, inflicted with varying degrees of injury, were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.
Among the injured, three students are in critical condition, battling for their lives. Two of these children, aged 7 and 9, have been moved to Thammasat University Hospital for specialized treatment, while a third, a 14-year-old, remains in Rangsit Hospital, receiving care for severe burns. Their critical state underscores the tragedy’s far-reaching impact.
In an effort to identify the young victims and bring closure to their families, relatives of 15 deceased victims have provided DNA samples. The somber process continues, with families of the remaining eight victims traveling from Uthai Thani province. The collective hope is to complete this grim but necessary identification process within two days, further illustrating the deep communal bonds and the shared resolve to support one another in these trying times.
This is such a heartbreaking tragedy. My thoughts are with the families.
I can’t imagine what those families are going through. The bus driver’s negligence is inexcusable.
We shouldn’t jump to conclusions. We need to wait for the investigation to complete.
I agree, but it’s hard not to blame someone when so many lives are lost. It’s just so overwhelming.
Why are our buses not regularly inspected for safety? This is unacceptable!
Probably due to budget cuts and improper management. It’s a recurring issue.
Exactly! Our infrastructure is falling apart because no one wants to spend money on maintenance.
I think we need to hold our government accountable for this. We can’t keep losing innocent lives.
I hope they throw the book at the driver. Fleeing the scene shows he knew he was guilty.
What a cowardly thing to do. Those poor kids.
Maybe he ran because he was terrified. It’s possible he had no idea what to do in that moment.
Being scared is no excuse when lives are at stake. He should have stayed and helped.
This tragedy is a grim reminder of why we need stricter transport regulations.
True, but regulations are useless if they’re not enforced properly.
That’s the issue—enforcement. Without it, regulations are just words on paper.
The bus company should be held accountable too, not just the driver.
Absolutely. If the bus had mechanical issues, it’s on the company to ensure it’s safe.
Exactly. This goes beyond just one person’s mistakes. It’s a systemic failure.
Why were young kids put on such an old bus to begin with? This should never have happened.
Poor maintenance and lack of stringent checks are at the root of this disaster.
The scene described in the article sounds like an absolute nightmare. I hope the survivors get the support they need.
I heard these buses were converted for gas use. Is that even safe?
Converting vehicles to use gas is generally safe if done correctly. The problem arises with improper installation and maintenance.
Thanks for clarifying. It’s scary to think about the potential risks though.
It’s tragic, but I don’t think harsh penalties for the driver alone will solve the problem. We need systemic changes.
I worked as a bus driver for years. It’s a stressful job, but abandoning those kids? Unthinkable.
Could the fire have been prevented if the bus had proper safety equipment? This is a basic necessity!
Definitely. Fire extinguishers and regular drills are essential, but often neglected in older buses.
Parents shouldn’t have to worry about their kids’ safety on a school trip. This whole system needs an overhaul.
This sounds like a horror movie. Was there really no escape for those poor souls?
From the description, it sounds like the fire spread too quickly for them to get out. It’s deeply distressing.
Driver negligence or mechanical failure, the real question is why these buses are even on our roads in 2024.
Fair point, our public vehicles are really outdated. We need modern solutions.
Exactly, we’re lagging behind in terms of safety standards. It shouldn’t take a tragedy for action to be taken.
It’s easy to blame the driver, but we need to look at the root causes here. This goes deeper than one person’s actions.
My heart goes out to the families. I hope they find peace and justice.
Fire accidents like this should not be happening anymore. Isn’t there better technology to prevent this?
The bus should have had a fire suppression system in place. Such a basic requirement could have saved lives.
The narrative that the driver panicked seems plausible but doesn’t exonerate him. He should’ve stayed to help.
I’m skeptical about the claims regarding mechanical failure. Sounds like a cover-up.