A heartbreaking tragedy struck Bangkok, Thailand, on Tuesday, October 1, when a school bus carrying students and teachers burst into flames, killing more than 20 people. Sixteen others, including both students and staff, were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. The devastating incident has sparked national outrage and urgent calls to improve school transportation safety in the country.

The bus was carrying students from Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School in Uthai Thani province, along with six teachers. The group was headed on a school field trip to Ayutthaya Historical Park and the Electricity Generating Authority Learning Center in Nonthaburi. What should have been a fun and educational day quickly turned into a nightmare.

According to initial reports, the tragedy began when one of the bus’s tires suddenly blew out, causing the driver to lose control. The bus slammed into a metal barrier, and the impact caused sparks that ignited the gas tank. Within minutes, the bus was engulfed in flames, trapping many of the passengers inside.

Witnesses say some of the children ran to the back of the bus, hoping to find an escape, but the fire spread too quickly. Many were unable to get out in time. Emergency responders arrived at the scene as fast as they could, battling the flames and pulling survivors from the wreckage.

In response, Thai government officials have vowed to launch a full investigation. Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit announced that authorities will examine every possible cause—beyond the tire blowout and sparks—including the vehicle’s condition, driver performance, and the school’s emergency procedures. The goal: to identify what went wrong and prevent another tragedy like this from ever happening again.