Bangkok: More than 20 people died when a school bus carrying students and teachers caught fire near Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Initial reports are that 20 children and three teachers have died. The incident occurred when the bus, which was traveling from central Uthai Thani to Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi provinces, reached Pathum Thani on Tuesday afternoon. The fire broke out when the bus crashed into a road barrier after a tire burst. Transport Minister Surya Jangrungrekit told reporters that 44 passengers were on the bus and the death toll could rise.

The bus was completely burnt. Many of the bodies have not been identified. A few people with burns were admitted to a nearby hospital. Prime Minister Patangtan Shinawatra announced through ‘Ex’ that financial assistance will be provided to the families of the disaster victims and the government will bear the medical expenses of the injured.