Bangkok, Thailand—Three foreign nationals died when a tourist bus overturned on a major highway earlier today. The incident happened as the bus was traveling along a high-speed transit route during a period of heavy rain.

Rescue workers received the alert shortly after 2:00 PM. Upon arrival, they found the bus lying on its side, blocking two lanes of the highway. Several passengers were still trapped inside the vehicle, requiring the use of hydraulic cutters to gain access.

Paramedics confirmed that three individuals died from the impact. A total of twenty other passengers were transported to the nearest regional hospital with varying degrees of injury. Most of the victims were tourists visiting from overseas.

The driver of the bus reportedly lost control on a curve that was slick from recent downpours. The vehicle struck the center median before sliding and coming to a rest on its side. Police are currently inspecting the road surface for signs of mechanical failure or hydroplaning.

Authorities have managed to contact the embassies of the victims to assist in the repatriation of their remains. Local officials have visited the hospital to coordinate medical care and provide support for the survivors.

Traffic remains severely congested in the area as specialized cranes work to upright the bus. Investigators are reviewing the company’s maintenance logs to determine if any safety violations were present before the trip departed.

The bus company has issued a brief statement expressing regret for the accident and stating they are cooperating with law enforcement. They have halted all scheduled departures for the remainder of the day.

The focus remains on the recovery of the remaining luggage and the conclusion of the on-site investigation.