Brake Malfunction Mistaken for Bus Fire: Passengers Safely Evacuated in Chiang Rai

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

At approximately 20:30 on December 3, authorities were alerted to an incident involving a Green Bus traveling the Chiang Rai-Chiang Mai route. Initially reported as a fire, the situation was later confirmed to be caused by a brake malfunction in the rear left wheel, which generated thick smoke.

 

The bus, carrying 32 passengers, mostly foreign tourists, was forced to pull over near a Bangchak gas station in Pa Ngio Subdistrict, Wiang Pa Pao District, Chiang Rai, after drivers of trailing vehicles signalled for it to stop. Acting swiftly, the driver evacuated all passengers from the bus to prevent any potential harm.

 

Local emergency services, including the Pa Ngio Municipality’s Disaster Prevention Unit, Wiang Pa Pao Police Traffic Unit, Sawang Thammasathan Rescue Unit, and Amarin Tai Rescue Team, quickly arrived at the scene. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

 

The passengers faced initial challenges due to language barriers, as the bus driver could not communicate effectively with the foreign tourists. However, a local volunteer stepped in to explain the situation and reassure the passengers. Arrangements were made to dispatch a replacement bus, but it required a waiting period of 1-2 hours.

 

Recognising the passengers’ needs, Pa Ngio Municipality’s Deputy Mayor coordinated the provision of food and drinking water for all 32 passengers during the wait. The municipal officers and police remained on-site to ensure the passengers’ safety until the replacement bus arrived and resumed the journey to Chiang Mai.

 

The Green Bus Company has been urged to inspect its fleet to prevent similar incidents, and the passengers have expressed gratitude for the swift response and care provided by local authorities.

 

-- 2024-12-05

 

 

[Geoffggi]

Now this really does make a change, it appears the brakes do sometimes work even when not required .................LOL