BANGKOK, Oct 1:  A tragic incident unfolded near Bangkok on Tuesday when a school bus carrying students and teachers on a field trip caught fire, leaving around 25 people feared dead. Sixteen passengers, including students and teachers, were rushed to the hospital, the government confirmed.

Although the police have yet to confirm the exact number of casualties, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul indicated that 25 individuals are believed to have lost their lives in the fire. He refrained from providing additional details.

Among the injured are 16 students and three teachers, all of whom are receiving treatment. Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit mentioned that the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Early images circulated on social media showed thick smoke billowing from the burning bus. Local news reports displayed scenes of the bus engulfed in flames before firefighters were able to extinguish it. Rescue vehicles and fire trucks were seen at the scene, with emergency workers gathered around the charred remains of the bus.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra extended her condolences to the families of the victims, noting that the students were on a trip from Uthai Thani province, 250 km north of Bangkok. In a post on X, she expressed her sympathy, saying, “As a mother, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families.”