23 killed in school bus fire in Thailand

KABUL (Pajhwok): At least 23 people, including children, were killed after a school bus caught fire in Thailand, a media report said on Wednesday.

The bus carrying 40 students and faculty members on a school trip crashed and caught fire in Bangkok, capital of the country, on Tuesday, Reuters reported.

Twenty-three bodies had been identified, Trairong Phiwpan, forensic science commissioner, told reporters, with an investigation into the cause underway.

Sixteen students and three teachers were sent to hospital for treatment, Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said.

"Teachers told us that the fire ignited very quickly," acting police chief Kittirat Phanphet told a press conference.

"From speaking to witnesses, we believe the explosion was caused by a spark from the tyre that lit the gas cylinder that was powering the vehicle," he said, adding some students escaped through the window.

kk/mud