Pope Francis expresses deep sorrow over the tragic school bus accident in Thailand

Pope Francis has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of 20 schoolchildren and three teachers who tragically lost their lives in a bus fire near Bangkok on October 1.

In a message conveyed through a telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Pope expressed his "deep sadness" over the devastating accident.

He assured his prayers for "those suffering the effects of this tragedy, especially the grieving families," and entrusted the departed souls "to the loving mercy of the Almighty."

The tragic incident occurred during a field trip to the northern Bangkok Science Museum. Students from Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School in Uthai Thani were traveling in one of three buses when their vehicle, carrying 38 children and six teachers, was engulfed in flames on a highway just outside the Thai capital.

According to officials, the fire started after the bus crashed into a barrier due to a tire blowout. Despite efforts to escape, only half of the passengers survived, with some suffering severe burns.

Funerals for the victims began on October 3. The bus driver has been arrested on suspicion of reckless driving leading to death, while authorities are also investigating whether the bus's compressed gas tanks contributed to the fire's rapid spread.

Thailand has one of the highest traffic fatality rates globally, with an estimated 20,000 deaths per year, highlighting the country's ongoing challenges with road safety.