PHUKET: One passenger was killed and 13 others were injured after a scheduled bus from Phuket burst into flames and was destroyed a short distance north of the island today.
It became a nightmare for passengers who found themselves locked inside the bus as the flames spread.
The driver of the bus, bound for Satun province, made an unscheduled stop at a shop in Takua Tung, Phang Nga, when he noticed problems with his seat.
He started attempting to fix the electrical connection while waiting for a mechanic.
Fire broke out, and the automated door stayed locked as panic spread among the passengers.
Onlookers helped to break in the door and windows.
One woman aged about 50 died of smoke inhalation. Thirteen other passengers were taken to Phang Nga Hospital.
The driver was likely to face charges of negligence, police said.
It became a nightmare for passengers who found themselves locked inside the bus as the flames spread.
The driver of the bus, bound for Satun province, made an unscheduled stop at a shop in Takua Tung, Phang Nga, when he noticed problems with his seat.
He started attempting to fix the electrical connection while waiting for a mechanic.
Fire broke out, and the automated door stayed locked as panic spread among the passengers.
Onlookers helped to break in the door and windows.
One woman aged about 50 died of smoke inhalation. Thirteen other passengers were taken to Phang Nga Hospital.
The driver was likely to face charges of negligence, police said.
There are usually mini-hammers attached near the windows on intra-province buses, surely it's not a statutory requirement. If they were in place should take seconds to break a windows,and a minute to evacuate everyone from adjacent seats.
Posted by Sue on October 7, 2015 15:31
Editor Comment:
The driver would know they were there but if he is locked outside . . .