The bus driver of the passenger bus that caught fire, killing 20 schoolchildren and three teachers in Pathum Thani province, has turned himself into the police in Ang Thong Province.
Mr. Saman (the driver) told police under questioning that before he fled the scene, he tried to put out the fire but could not because the fire spread very quickly. He tried to rear the emergency door, but the flames spread quickly, so he could not do anything.
In shock, he fled to his relatives’ house in the Wichian Chai District of Ang Thong Province.
He said he did not intend to escape and wanted his bearings. He said he felt horrible and wanted to apologize to the families of the deceased, as he did not intend for this incident to happen.
After the questioning, the police took Mr. Saman to be arraigned at the Thanyaburi Provincial Court.
Police investigators pressed four charges against Mr. Saman: 1. Driving recklessly and dangerously may cause danger to persons or property; 2. Driving recklessly, causing death to others; 3. Driving recklessly, causing physical or mental harm to others. 4. Driving in a way that caused damage to a person and not stopping to help, not identifying himself, and not informing the police, resulting in the death of a person. Police have already objected to bail.
Meanwhile, police moved the bodies of the deceased from the bus fire from the Police General Hospital back to Wat Phraya Sangkharam School in Uthai Thani Province. During the journey back to Uthai Thani Province, the procession stopped at the incident scene on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, where a ceremony was performed with 4 monks from Wat Phosop Phon Charoen.
After the ceremony, the procession proceeded to Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam in Uthai Thani Province, where the families of the deceased performed religious rights for their loved ones.
Meanwhile, Authorities are investigating reports that the bus involved in Tuesday’s tragedy in Pathum Thani had been in service for more than 50 years and had been modified multiple times and that the Compressed Natural Gas modifications were improper.
According to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, a committee will be established to inspect the bus and safety apparatus on board and determine the cause of the fire, with the assistance of experts from the Engineering Institute of Thailand.
In the interim, the Department of Land Transport (DLT) intends to implement more stringent regulations regarding modified vehicles and is prepared to require an inspection of all commercial vehicles that operate on compressed natural gas (CNG).
Before Wednesday’s inspection, the front tire did not appear to have detonated. A police forensic team and DLT officials are currently inspecting the CNG installation system, brake, and steering systems to determine the cause of the fire.
The DLT has suspended the transport operation license granted to Panisara Chinnaboot, the operator of Chinnaboot Tour based in Sing Buri. The license will be revoked if the investigation establishes that the company’s negligence caused the calamity.
Source: MCOT
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Geoff Thomas is an award winning journalist known for his sharp insights and no-nonsense reporting style. Over the years he has worked for Reuters and the Canadian Press covering everything from political scandals to human interest stories. He brings a clear and direct approach to his work.
