Passenger Van NGV Catches Fire, 6 Passengers Escape: Driver Ignored Vehicle Issues

[Georgealbert]

 

 

A public passenger van operating on the Buriram-Korat route was completely engulfed in flames on the afternoon of November 19. Fortunately, all six passengers managed to escape unharmed. The driver admitted he was unfamiliar with the vehicle and noticed irregularities before the fire broke out. Passengers revealed overhearing a conversation between the drivers about replacing faulty parts prior to departure.

 

The incident occurred at approximately 16:00. Police Lieutenant Thanat Nakornthaisong, an investigator at the Buriram City Police Station, received a report of a van fire on the four-lane Buriram-Nangrong highway, just outside Buriram City. The blaze erupted near a seafood restaurant. Firefighters and rescue teams from Sawang Chanayatham Foundation were dispatched to the scene.

 

Upon arrival, a white 13-seat van, license plate from Nakhon Ratchasima, was fully engulfed in flames. The passengers, consisting of one man, four women, and a student, were visibly shaken but safe. Firefighters took 20 minutes to extinguish the fire, but the van was completely destroyed.

 

Boonthan Yophoth, 62, the substitute driver, stated that he does not regularly drive this vehicle. The usual driver was on leave, and the manager had asked him to take over. According to Boonthan, the van had just been parked and had not undergone a mechanical check before departure.

Boonthan started the journey from the Buriram bus terminal en route to Nakhon Ratchasima. About 5 kilometres from the terminal, he noticed smoke billowing from the engine compartment. He immediately pulled over to inspect the problem, but the fire ignited before he could act. He quickly opened the van doors, allowing all passengers to escape safely. He noted that the van was not fully occupied and the doors opened smoothly, which helped avoid casualties. Moments later, multiple explosions were heard due to the van running on CNG.

 

Amphorn 49, one of the passengers, shared that before boarding the van, she overheard a conversation between the drivers about the need to replace certain parts. However, she was unsure what the issue was and assumed it was safe to travel. The ride proceeded as usual until the incident occurred.

The authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and whether negligence played a role. Passengers are calling for stricter vehicle inspections to ensure public safety.

 

Picture and video from responders.

-- 2024-11-20