Incident Overview
A group of Polish tourists narrowly escaped a potentially disastrous situation when their double-decker bus caught fire on the Si Rat Expressway in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district. The bus was en route to Ayutthaya, carrying 15 tourists from Poland and their Thai guide.
Quick Response From Driver and Emergency Crews
The bus driver, Khuanchit Kaewmanee, noticed smoke coming from the luggage compartment and immediately parked the bus on the left side of the expressway. He instructed all passengers to exit the vehicle promptly. No injuries were reported, although several passengers lost their luggage in the fire.
Fire trucks, emergency crews, and an expressway rescue team rushed to the scene. They managed to extinguish the fire within 20 minutes, but the bus was completely destroyed by that time.
Impact on Traffic and Investigation
The incident caused significant traffic congestion in the area. Police are currently investigating the cause of the fire.
Journey Details
The bus had picked up the tourists and their guide at the Bangkok Palace Hotel in the Makkasan area of Ratchathewi district. Their destination was Ayutthaya province, a popular tourist site known for its historical temples and ruins.
A Close Call for Tourists
The passengers were fortunate that the driver quickly recognized the danger and acted promptly to ensure their safety. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and quick action in emergency situations.
