Picture from responders.

 

An incident unfolded on December 27, when a fire broke out on a passenger bus in Suwannaphum District, Roi Et Province. Fortunately, quick action by the driver and locals averted a potential tragedy, with no injuries reported.

 

Police Lieutenant Thanathip Vijarn, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) at Suwannaphum Police Station, received a report of the fire on Highway 502 (Arunprasert Road) near the entrance of Ban Yang Loeng, Village 12, Dokmai Subdistrict. Upon arrival at the scene, fire crews found that the blaze had already been extinguished, and all passengers had safely evacuated.

 

Initial investigations revealed that the bus had departed from Bangkok the previous evening, heading to Phanom Phrai District, Roi Et. The fire broke out shortly after the vehicle had stopped to drop off passengers. As the bus moved slowly for about 30 metres, a motorcycle taxi driver flagged it down, alerting the driver to flames at the rear of the vehicle.

 

The fire reportedly originated in the lower rear compartment, where multiple batteries were stored, including those powering the air conditioning system. Upon discovering the fire, the driver immediately opened the bus doors and instructed passengers to disembark. The onboard fire extinguishers were used to combat the flames, while nearby residents assisted with water hoses and buckets.

 

 

Thanks to the swift response, the fire was brought under control without causing any injuries or significant property damage. However, some luggage was soiled by fire extinguisher residue.

 

One passenger described the experience, stating, “I felt my hands trembling when I realised what was happening, but thankfully we all got out safely.”

 

Following the incident, the bus company promptly dispatched a replacement air-conditioned bus to continue the journey. However, some passengers, still shaken by the ordeal, opted to contact relatives to arrange private transportation.

 

The bus company has assured passengers that they will provide assistance for any injuries or property damage resulting from the incident. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

 

-- 2024-12-28

 

Jeez, that fitment of batteries was a fire waiting to happen. I guess the last bus inspection somehow missed that rats nest of wiring.

3 hours ago, edwinchester said:

Jeez, that fitment of batteries was a fire waiting to happen. I guess the last bus inspection somehow missed that rats nest of wiring.

That wiring appears to be a high-quality installation

At least in this country  

So much for all of the buses being checked out. I guess they were just focusing on the LPG tanks. 

9 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Thanks to the swift response, the fire was brought under control without causing any injuries or significant property damage

Thanks to the rider alerting the driver who was oblivious to the fire.