A devastating road accident in Thailand’s Prachinburi Province has claimed the lives of seven people and left 53 others injured after a passenger bus collided with a trailer truck and burst into flames early Monday morning.

The collision occurred at around 2:00 AM on a downhill stretch of road from Pu Khao Salathon Court toward Kabin Buri in Na Di District, according to local authorities. The bus, identified as vehicle number 590-28, was on route from Nong Khai to Rayong, carrying a total of 60 passengers.

The bus reportedly slammed into the rear of a trailer truck, and the impact caused the rear wheels to ignite, setting off a fire that spread quickly through part of the vehicle. Emergency services, including Nu May Rescue volunteers, responded swiftly, extracting injured passengers and transporting them to nearby hospitals.

While the exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, early reports suggest driver fatigue or brake failure may be factors.

Authorities are working to examine surveillance footage, road conditions, and conduct interviews with survivors and the driver of the trailer truck.

Rescue teams described the scene as “chaotic and heartbreaking” and extended condolences to the families of the victims.

“We are doing everything we can to support those affected and determine the cause of this terrible accident,” said a spokesperson from the local police.

This incident has raised renewed concerns over the safety of long-distance overnight bus travel in Thailand, especially on rural highways and mountainous routes.

This is a developing story, and more updates are expected as the investigation continues.