分类： society

A catastrophic bus fire in southern India, which claimed the lives of at least 20 people, was significantly worsened by the presence of hundreds of smartphones onboard, according to forensic officials. The incident occurred early Friday when a Bangalore-bound bus collided with a motorcycle, rupturing the bus’s fuel tank and triggering a massive explosion. Eyewitnesses reported that approximately 40 passengers struggled to escape as locals rushed to rescue survivors. Forensic experts revealed that the bus was transporting 234 mobile phones, whose lithium-ion batteries likely intensified the fire upon rupture. Kurnool Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patel stated, ‘The bus batteries, flammable furnishings, and the cargo of cell phones aggravated the fire, leading to this tragic event.’ Additionally, P Venkataraman, the director-general of the Andhra Pradesh Fire Services Department, noted that the air conditioning system’s electrical batteries also exploded, further fueling the blaze. The smartphones, valued at 4.6 million Indian rupees (£39,361; $52,377), were en route from Hyderabad to an e-commerce company in Bengaluru. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in smartphones, pose a significant fire risk when damaged due to thermal runaway, a phenomenon where uncontrollable temperature increases occur, making it difficult to extinguish with conventional methods. Authorities have launched an investigation into potential negligent driving, as the bus driver fled the scene, and the motorcyclist involved in the crash is among the deceased. Buses are a prevalent mode of transport in India, but safety regulations are often disregarded, and vehicles are frequently overcrowded. India recorded the highest road accident death toll globally last year.

Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit, a revered figure who epitomized elegance and played a pivotal role in the country’s post-war revival, has passed away at the age of 93. The Thai Royal Household Bureau announced her death on Saturday, marking the end of an era for a woman who was not only a style icon but also a significant political and social influence. Sirikit had been hospitalized since 2019 due to multiple health issues and succumbed to a bloodstream infection on October 17, passing away late Friday night. A year-long mourning period has been declared for the royal family and household. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul canceled his attendance at the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia to address the national loss, and the cabinet convened to discuss funeral arrangements. Born in 1932, Sirikit Kitiyakara led a life of privilege as the daughter of Thailand’s ambassador to France. She met her future husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, while studying in Paris, and their marriage in 1950 marked the beginning of a partnership that would shape Thailand’s monarchy for decades. Sirikit’s fashion sense and beauty captivated global audiences, particularly during her 1960 visit to the United States, where she was celebrated for her grace and style. Her collaboration with French designer Pierre Balmain helped revive Thailand’s silk industry, and her charitable work with King Bhumibol endeared her to the Thai people. Sirikit’s legacy extends beyond her glamour; she championed rural development and maternal virtue, with her birthday becoming Mother’s Day in Thailand. While the monarchy is officially apolitical, Sirikit occasionally intervened in political matters, notably supporting movements that opposed populist leader Thaksin Shinawatra. Her death leaves a profound void in a nation where she was revered as a symbol of maternal care and national unity. She is survived by her son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and three daughters.

In a heartwarming tale of family and tradition, Ghanem Abdullah Al Muhairi, an Emirati father of five, has been teaching his children carpentry and metalwork since they were just five years old. Al Muhairi, who learned these skills from his own father, believes in nurturing curiosity and self-reliance in his children from a young age. Instead of conventional toys, his children were introduced to tools like hammers, nails, and wood carving machines, crafting their first chairs from iron and wood. This early exposure not only taught them patience, focus, and precision but also instilled a sense of accomplishment and creativity. Al Muhairi emphasized that his approach is not merely for entertainment but to impart essential life skills and values such as teamwork and discipline. He also prioritizes safety, guiding his children through every step and ensuring they understand potential risks. Al Muhairi’s initiative extends beyond his family. Through his Instagram account ‘klna rban’ (We Are All Captains), he shares videos of practical activities like assembling sinks, repairing furniture, and car maintenance, aiming to inspire other families. The account has garnered positive feedback, with many praising the focus on productive tasks over screen time. Al Muhairi has also expanded his efforts by conducting workshops for children aged 10 to 18, teaching skills like plumbing, agriculture, and electricity. He now plans to establish a permanent center to teach traditional Emirati crafts in a modern way, ensuring these valuable skills are passed on to future generations.

In a significant move aimed at improving road safety, Dubai has introduced a new regulation prohibiting delivery riders from using fast lanes on major roads. The rule, effective from November 1, restricts motorcycles from occupying the two leftmost lanes on roads with five or more lanes and the leftmost lane on roads with three or four lanes. On smaller roads with two lanes or fewer, riders are free to use either lane. The initiative, jointly announced by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police, has been welcomed by delivery riders who often face life-threatening risks while navigating high-speed traffic. Companies complying with the new rules will be recognized under the ‘Delivery Sector Excellence Award.’

Sarfaraz, a delivery rider, recounted a harrowing accident on Al Khail Road last year, where he narrowly escaped a fatal collision. ‘I was rushing to deliver an order, and the customer kept calling. I didn’t want to be late, but speeding nearly cost me my life,’ he said. The incident left him with a newfound caution, and he now avoids fast lanes altogether. ‘This law is for our safety,’ Sarfaraz emphasized. ‘If food arrives a few minutes late, please bear with us. We don’t delay because we want to; we delay because we want to live.’

Hamza, another rider with four years of experience in Dubai, highlighted the practical challenges riders face. ‘Some roads have exits kilometers apart. In heavy traffic, we’re forced to use the left lane to reach the exit in time,’ he explained. However, he acknowledged the dangers of sharing lanes with larger vehicles. ‘Even the wind pressure from a passing SUV can destabilize us,’ he added. Hamza called on delivery platforms to adjust delivery times based on traffic conditions and avoid penalizing riders for delays.

Motorists also expressed relief over the new rule. Amaan Hashim, a daily commuter, recalled several close encounters with delivery bikes. ‘They’re small and fast, often appearing out of nowhere,’ he said. ‘This rule will make the roads safer for everyone.’ Mohammed Irfan, another driver, noted that bikes are often in blind spots, making them hard to spot from elevated vehicles like SUVs. ‘Fast lanes are meant for high-speed cars, not bikes,’ he stated.

Road safety expert Mustafa Aldah praised the regulation as a crucial step toward reducing accidents. ‘The scale of violations is alarming, with over 78,000 fines issued in the first nine months of this year alone,’ he said. Aldah suggested leveraging AI monitoring and smart cameras to enforce compliance and foster long-term behavioral change among riders. ‘This rule is not just about safety; it’s about saving lives,’ he concluded.