On the evening of February 12th, the Lantern Festival in China, a bus caught fire in the mountains of Huaiji, Zhaoqing, Guangdong. Authorities reported that the accident resulted in the deaths of 6 people and injuries to some passengers, without specifying the exact number of injuries or the cause of the fire.
Online videos and photos showed a medium-sized bus engulfed in flames parked on a small path in the mountains, with fierce fire and thick smoke billowing from it. After the fire was extinguished, the bus was left charred with only the frame remaining.
According to netizens familiar with the situation, there were “more than ten people on the bus. Students were on their way to register for school.” They also mentioned, “The driver got off the bus when he saw the fire to escape, but did not open the door, leaving those inside trapped.”
Another netizen stated, “These county and town buses are usually subcontracted, with individuals running their own operations by buying routes and picking up passengers.”
At 18:27 on February 12th, the Huaiji County government announced via WeChat public account that around 9:40 a.m. on February 12th, a bus caught fire on County Road 813 in Qiasui Town of Huaiji County, resulting in 6 deaths and injuries to some passengers. The cause of the accident is under investigation.
However, the announcement did not mention specific details such as the number of injuries, the driver, or the cause of the accident.
Many netizens questioned, “What about the driver? Why is there no mention of the driver?” “This announcement seems downplayed, at a glance, it appears like nothing serious happened!!! No mainstream media has reported this information.” “Could the bus doors not open, causing such severe casualties?” “Were there flammable or explosive materials inside the bus?” “Did the fire spread rapidly?” “Was it a gasoline or electric bus, can anyone clarify?”
Some netizens noticed that the bus had a yellow license plate, speculating that it was a “gasoline vehicle, with a yellow plate.” Many netizens expressed sorrow, “Such a tragedy, during the Lantern Festival.” “Poor students.” “This is just too tragic.”
However, according to numerous comments by netizens, related videos and reports were quickly deleted, suggesting censorship. “Videos posted by others are all being blocked from view.” “Many videos have been deleted.” “Just watched something, and it’s gone now.” “Can’t find any related reports about this incident anymore.” “After an hour, it’s definitely gone.” “Can’t find it anymore.”