A bus carrying students and teachers burst into flames in Pathum Thani, a northern suburb of Bangkok, Thailand on Tuesday, reportedly resulting in 25 tragic deaths.
According to Thai Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruengkit, the bus was transporting 44 passengers, including students from primary and secondary schools, from Uthai Thani province to Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi provinces for a school trip.
Footage of the incident showed the bus completely engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke billowing from the stationary vehicle on the roadside.
Hours later, authorities reported that several bodies were still inside the charred bus.
While the precise number of casualties is yet to be confirmed, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that 25 people are feared dead based on the count of survivors.
The bus driver is reported to have survived but has fled the scene and is currently unaccounted for.
Rescue workers believe the fire started after a tyre exploded, causing the bus to scrape against a road barrier and ignite.
The incident occurred around midday in Pathum Thani province, a northern suburb of Bangkok, as the bus was heading towards Nonthaburi.
In response to this tragedy, Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her condolences on social media, assuring that the government would cover medical expenses and provide compensation to the families of the victims.