A tragic fire on a Thai school bus claimed at least 23 lives, according to police statements on Tuesday, following the recovery of children’s bodies from the vehicle’s burnt remains.
The blaze rapidly consumed the bus on a northern Bangkok suburb highway while transporting 38 children, ranging from kindergartners to young teenagers, and six teachers on a school trip.
This incident marks Thailand’s deadliest road accident in ten years. “Inside the bus, we discovered 23 bodies,” stated Trairong Phiwpan, head of the police forensic science office, during a press briefing.
He noted the severe condition of the victims’ bodies, which were so extensively charred that distinguishing between adults and children was not immediately possible.
Authorities indicated that DNA testing would be necessary to identify the deceased, according to police reports.