SURIN -- A fire broke out in the engine compartment of an airconditioned tour bus in Prasat district early on Sunday, but it was quickly brought under control and no passengers were hurt, police said.
Pol Capt Samart Chuenchomying, an investigator of Chok Nasam police station, said the incident occurred at abut 5.30am while the Rayong-Mukdahan bus was travelling between kilometre markers 173 and 174 on Highway 24 near Ban Nong Krabue in tambon Tani.
Nathapol Poolun, the driver, said that while the Mukdahan-bound bus was nearing Ban Nong Krabue he noticed flames coming from the engine compartment at the rear of the bus.
He stopped the bus and used a chemical extinguisher to try to put out the fire but was not successful. Police and rescue units soon arrived to help after receiving telephone calls from operators of other vehicles passing by.
The fire was put out in 40 minutes after the rescuers sprayed water at the burning engine, which was completely destroyed.