RAYONG, THAILAND – A tragic collision between a school bus and a factory shuttle in Rayong Province has left one woman dead and 28 people injured, most of them schoolchildren beginning their first day of term.
Chaotic scene on rural road
Emergency crews rushed to Land Road 3143 in Ban Khai District shortly after midday on 28 October 2025, where the school bus from Nikhom Pittaya School lay mangled at the front and side. Behind the wheel, rescuers found the body of the 60‑year‑old driver, Mrs. Wasana, who died at the scene.
Witnesses described scenes of confusion and panic as first responders worked to free the injured. Several pupils — boys and girls alike — had been thrown from the bus by the force of the impact. One child was in critical condition and transferred to Rayong Hospital, while others with less severe injuries were treated at Ban Khai Hospital.
Factory workers also among the injured
A few metres away, the factory bus that had been ferrying workers to a local plant was also badly damaged. Its driver escaped unharmed and cooperated with police investigators.
According to emergency officials, five factory workers sustained minor injuries and were hospitalised for observation. Their condition was later described as stable.
Police investigation under way
The investigation, led by Police Lieutenant Satawat Phuparat, began immediately after the crash. Early findings suggested the school bus may have entered the main road from a side street without yielding to oncoming traffic.
A POLICE SPOKESPERSON SAID THE SCHOOL BUS “APPARENTLY TURNED ONTO THE MAIN ROAD WITHOUT DUE CAUTION AND COLLIDED DIRECTLY WITH THE ONCOMING FACTORY BUS.”
Officers have gathered witness testimonies and collected footage from nearby surveillance cameras to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Community grief and unanswered questions
For many families, what should have been a joyful return to school turned into anguish. Psychologists were dispatched to local hospitals to comfort the children and their relatives, who are struggling to process the trauma of the crash. The Nikhom Pittaya School community has expressed shock and sorrow at the loss of the veteran driver and the injuries suffered by so many pupils.
Authorities are now examining whether the accident stemmed from human error, technical failure, or poor road visibility. Beyond the official inquiry, one family mourns a mother and grandmother, while parents across Rayong question how safe their children truly are during their daily commute.
Renewed debate over school transport safety
The incident has reignited calls for stricter safety oversight of school transport in Thailand. Many parents are demanding improved driver training and more regular vehicle inspections to prevent future tragedies.
• 28 injuries, including 23 children
• 1 fatality – the 60‑year‑old school bus driver
• Investigation led by Police Lt. Satawat Phuparat
• Psychological support provided for affected families
As inquiries continue, Rayong’s residents hope the lessons from this crash will bring lasting reforms to make Thailand’s roads safer for its youngest passengers.