A tragic accident in Thailand has left at least 12 people dead and around 30 others injured after a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train, according to local police officials. The train was travelling from the capital city, Bangkok, toward the country’s northeastern region at the time of the incident.
The accident took place on Wednesday morning in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, located approximately 230 kilometres northeast of Bangkok. The train was en route to Ubon Ratchathani province and was carrying a large number of passengers when disaster struck.
Police said the crane was being used as part of an ongoing high-speed rail construction project in the area. While the train was passing through, the crane suddenly collapsed and crashed directly onto one of the carriages. The impact caused the train to derail, and at least one carriage caught fire immediately after the collision.
Emergency services were rushed to the scene as thick smoke and flames engulfed parts of the train. Several passengers were reportedly trapped inside damaged carriages, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving multiple teams. Authorities confirmed that the fire has since been brought under control, and rescue efforts are continuing to ensure all victims are accounted for.
Thailand’s Transport Minister, Piphat Ratchakitprakan, said that around 195 people were on board the train at the time of the accident. He announced that a formal investigation has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the crane collapse and to assess whether safety protocols were properly followed at the construction site.
Officials have said further details will emerge as the investigation progresses, while hospitals in the region continue to treat the injured, some of whom are reported to be in serious condition.
