Minibus Explodes in Chonburi: Driver Escapes as Flames Consume Vehicle

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures from responders.

 

A dramatic explosion and fire consumed a minibus on the night of 18 February, leaving only charred remains and a stunned driver. The vehicle, recently repaired and meant for transporting factory workers, erupted in flames shortly after leaving the garage, fortunately with no passengers on board at the time.

 

The incident occurred around 21:30 on Route 331, near the “Khao Ruea Taek” curve in Khlong Kiew subdistrict, Ban Bueng district, Chonburi province. Emergency responders from Khlong Kiew Police Station, along with firefighters and rescue teams from the Si Thammasamakhom Foundation, rushed to the scene, where they found the minibus engulfed in flames. Firefighters battled the blaze for approximately 30 minutes before bringing it under control, but the vehicle was utterly destroyed.

 

The driver, known as “Uncle Lek,” aged 60, was the sole occupant of the minibus and suffered only minor injuries. He declined hospital treatment after the ordeal. “I had just collected the minibus from the repair shop and was driving it back for its usual worker transport duties,” Uncle Lek recounted. “Suddenly, I heard a loud explosion from the rear. I had no idea what caused it until I smelled something burning and saw flames spreading rapidly. I stopped the vehicle and ran for my life. Before I knew it, the entire bus was ablaze.”

 

Local police are now working alongside forensic investigators from Region 2 to determine the cause of the explosion. Initial investigations are focusing on a potential leak in the gas fuel system, which may have triggered the catastrophic event. Authorities will examine the burnt remains of the vehicle and collect evidence to establish whether mechanical failure, electrical faults, or other factors contributed to the fire.

Witnesses at the scene reported seeing flames leaping from the engine compartment, indicating a possible malfunction that led to the explosion. “It all happened so fast. One minute we were minding our own business, and the next, there was this massive explosion,” said a local resident who saw the flames from a distance.

 

-- 2025-02-20

 

[flyingtlger]

13 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

The vehicle, recently repaired and meant for transporting factory workers

Don't ever take your vehicle to the same repair shop ......

[JoePai]

The vehicle, recently repaired 

 

Ah there's the clue as to what went wrong