Senator urges probe into bus fire killing 23 in Sing Buri

Senator Alongkot Vorakee has called on the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD) to investigate alleged misconduct by Sing Buri’s land transport officials concerning a bus blaze tragedy that resulted in the deaths of three teachers and 20 students on October 1.

The tragedy involved victims from Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School in Lan Sak district of Uthai Thani, who were on a field trip. The bus, owned by a private transport company and registered in Sing Buri, had undergone regular safety inspections. However, post-incident investigations revealed that the bus was fitted with 12 compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders instead of the approved six.

According to the senator, this discrepancy is a crucial piece of evidence pointing to potential misconduct by the Sing Buri Land Transport Office and its engineers and technicians responsible for the bus’s safety compliance.

Alongkot has requested the ACD to initiate a probe parallel to the ongoing investigation by the Khu Khot Police Station in Pathum Thani. The incident occurred in Pathum Thani as the bus was en route to Nonthaburi.

The senator mentioned that Khu Khot investigators are expected to forward their report to prosecutors, recommending charges against the bus driver and the transport company by November 3 or, at the latest, January 3.

Responding to the senator’s petition, Police Major General Jaroonkiat Pankaew, deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), stated that preliminary information points to the involvement of several state officials in the fatal bus fire. The ACD operates under the CIB.

After a meeting with the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission on the case, Jaroonkiat revealed that more time is needed to gather additional evidence before proceeding with legal action, reported Bangkok Post.

The demand for accountability and thorough investigation highlights the gravity of the situation and the need for stringent safety standards in public transport. As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on uncovering the full extent of the alleged misconduct and ensuring justice for the victims and their families.