This Teacher Used Her Body To Cover Her Students As The Bus Exploded In Flames!
On a tragic school trip in Thailand, a bus carrying young students and their teachers caught fire, leaving more than 20 feared dead. The accident occurred in Pathum Thani province, a suburb of Bangkok, on a Tuesday afternoon, and shook the nation. Among the 45 passengers aboard the bus were six teachers and 39 students. One teacher, Kanokwan Sripong, emerged as a hero during the incident, sacrificing her life to protect her students. This heartbreaking event sheds light on road safety issues in Thailand and the urgent need for reforms. Let’s have a closer look at the details and survivor stories.
The Tragic Bus Fire Incident
The bus, traveling from Uthai Thani province to Pathum Thani, suddenly caught fire while transporting students and teachers. Initial reports suggest the fire was caused by a tire explosion that ignited a blaze on the natural gas-powered bus. Acting Police Commissioner Kitrat Phanphet says that there are no damages to other vehicles.
Rescue teams arrived at the scene but faced challenges due to the intense heat. The heat delayed efforts to enter the bus for hours.
Videos of the burning bus quickly spread on social media. The videos showed the entire vehicle engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke going into the sky. According to reports, 23 have lost their lives including 3 teachers and 20 students.
“Such an incident causes a great sorrow and grief. There is no way we will distort the fact or help anyone.”
Acting police commissioner Kitrat Phanphet
Police were still working to identify the bodies, and survivors shared the terror of escaping the bus. Some managed to flee through the doors, and others jumped out of windows. One teacher who survived shared how quickly the fire had spread. According to her, she didn’t even have time to grab her mobile phone.
The Heroic Act of Teacher Kanokwan Sripong
Among the stories that emerged from this tragedy was the heroism of Kanokwan Sripong, a young teacher who died protecting her students. According to reports, the rescuers found her body holding a child in her arms.
Kanokwan’s story became even more poignant when people learned about her life. She had recently graduated and proudly shared a picture of herself with her mother at her graduation ceremony.
“5 years to complete the journey. To become the pride of mother. If father were still alive, he would definitely be proud of his daughter.”
Teacher Kanokwan’s post read.
Survivors’ Stories and Rescue Efforts
Survivors of the fire shared their terrifying experiences. One teacher explained how the fire spread so fast that they barely had time to react. Some passengers managed to escape through the bus’s doors, while others jumped out of windows. The fire’s rapid spread left little time for action, and many were trapped inside the vehicle.
Rescue workers from the Ruam Katanyu Foundation described the grim scene inside the bus. Most of the bodies were found in the middle and back seats. They believed the victims had tried to move away from the flames, which began at the front of the bus.
In the aftermath, 16 students were treated for minor injuries and sent home, while three others remained hospitalized. One of the girls, around seven years old, suffered burns to her face, mouth, and eyes. Doctors were working to save her eyesight.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited the injured in the hospital and offered her condolences to the victims’ families. She also promised that the government would cover medical expenses and provide support to those affected. Overcome by emotion, she shed tears during a press conference, highlighting the deep sorrow felt across the country.
The Broader Conversation Around Road Safety in Thailand
This tragic incident has ignited a broader conversation about road safety in Thailand. Thailand is a country known for its high rate of traffic accidents. According to the World Health Organization, 20,000 people die, and over a million are injured in road accidents every year in Thailand. The bus fire in Pathum Thani highlighted the dangers of long-distance travel for children on school trips.
The public outcry following this incident called for immediate action to improve the safety of school buses. The bus company responsible for the vehicle may face charges if they are found negligent in maintaining the vehicle or ensuring it met safety standards.
Conclusion
The sacrifice of Kanokwan Sripong has left a lasting impact on the public. Her actions on that tragic day embodied true bravery and selflessness. It reminds us of the risks that teachers often take to protect their students. As the country mourns the loss of young lives, it also calls for change. People are demanding improved safety standards for children traveling on school trips.
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