Twenty children and three teachers were killed in what is considered Thailand’s deadliest traffic accident in a decade. The nation comes together to grieve as questions surrounding safety emergeÂ
How Did the Funeral for the Victims of the Horrific Bus Fire Unfold?
Heartbroken family and friends gathered on Thursday in the little village of Lan Sak in central Thailand to say goodbye to twenty children and three instructors who perished in a terrible school bus fire earlier this week. Rows of white and gold coffins lined the hall at Wat Khao Phra Ya Sancharam School, each symbolising a life lost too soon at the mass funeral.
Many of the coffins carried donations from bereaved family members—food, clothing, and toys arranged in honour of the dead. On a sad occasion, a royal family official from Thailand carried out a customary Buddhist purifying rite, pouring water on the coffins and laying wreaths.
What Is the Cause of the Deadly Fire?
Still under inquiry is the fire that started on Tuesday during a school field trip. Although the bus driver who turned himself in to the police has been charged with reckless driving, causing deaths and injuries, authorities have not yet ascertained the origin of the fire. On Wednesday, Chayanont Meesati, the deputy regional police commander, clarified that the driver had lost control of the vehicle, which brushed a concrete barrier, maybe producing sparks that started the fire.
Meesati added, “The exact cause is yet unknown, but the bus driver claims the vehicle lost balance before colliding with the barrier.”
Though only six were allowed to be installed, the bus tragically ran on compressed natural gas (CNG) and carried eleven gas canisters. This has begged questions about the enforcement of safety rules. The Thai government has recently demanded a national inspection of all CNG-equipped passenger buses, notwithstanding the company’s assertions that the vehicle complied with safety criteria.
What Is Known About the Survivors and Their Families?
The fire took twenty-three lives; nineteen youngsters and three teachers survived the flames. Currently undergoing treatment in the hospital for injuries, sixteen of the survivors. Although the victim’s ages are unknown, the institution serves pupils aged three to fifteen. Losing such young lives has caused a shock to the country.
Among the grieving was Tael Narach, the grandmother of a six year old. Overcome with loss, Tael remarked, “I passed out immediately upon learning about the fire. I seek justice and help for my grandchild.
How Has the Nation Responded to This Tragedy?
The catastrophe has set off a flood of anguish all around Thailand. Hundreds of individuals, including various government representatives, attended the funeral at Lan Sak. Among those present was Minister of Education Permpoon Chidchob, who provides financial aid to victims’ families.
“We are here to help the families through this trying period,” Chidchob stated. “We made merit and prayed also for the students who are still in the hospital for their fast recovery.”
Teachers and students placed white flowers in remembrance of those who died in classrooms throughout the nation, therefore showing sympathy with the Lan Sak mourning community.
What Are the Plans for Buddhist Rites and Royal Cremation?
Four more days of Buddhist prayers for the victims will lead to a royal cremation ceremony mandated by King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Following Buddhist custom, local villagers and monks stayed awake on Wednesday night to pick up the bodies from a mortuary in Bangkok, where they had been brought for their first post-mortem inspections.
Families carrying framed pictures of their departed loved ones were walking beside the coffins in a moving funeral procession headed through Lan Sak on Thursday morning.
“We will keep praying for them and for those still fighting for their life in the hospital,” stated a local monk who took part in the ritual.
What Questions About Safety and Justice Have Emerged?
The accident has also caused severe issues regarding Thai passenger bus safety criteria. Given the bus carrying more gas canisters than allowed, questions over the rigidity of safety rules are rising. The government’s quick response to check every CNG-powered bus shows a will to stop more mishaps, but for families like Tels Narach’s, that is not much consolation anymore.
Tael said, repeating the sentiments of many who lost children in the fire: “I want justice.”
Authorities are under more and more pressure as the country laments to make sure that the deaths of these 23 young lives are not in vain and that such a tragedy is never repeated.
