In tragic event, bus carrying students and teachers caught fire in suburban Bangkok on Tuesday, with over 20 passengers feared dead, according to officials and rescuers.

The bus, transporting 44 passengers from Uthai Thani province for a school trip to Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi, was engulfed in flames, said Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruengkit. Videos on social media showed the bus consumed by fire, emitting thick black smoke while parked by the roadside. Bodies remained inside for hours after the blaze.

The students on board were in elementary and junior high school, officials reported. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the exact number of fatalities was still uncertain, as investigations were ongoing. While the driver survived, he reportedly fled and was unaccounted for.

Initially, 25 people were feared dead, but rescuer Piyalak Thinkaew of the Ruamkatanyu Foundation later reported that two survivors were found, bringing the number of missing to 23 — 20 students and 3 teachers. Most bodies were located in the middle and back of the bus, leading rescuers to believe the fire originated at the front.

The fire reportedly started around noon in Pathum Thani province, as the bus was en route to Nonthaburi. Thai media and rescuers suggested that a tire explosion may have sparked the fire when the vehicle scraped against a road barrier.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her condolences on social media, pledging that the government would cover medical costs and compensate the victims’ families.

Three young girls were admitted to Rangsit Hospital near the scene, with one suffering burns to her face, mouth, and eye, according to hospital officials.