Deadly Train Crash in Thailand Claims 32 Lives as Construction Crane Collapses

A catastrophic accident occurred in northeastern Thailand on Wednesday when a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train, killing at least 32 people and injuring 64 others. The derailment happened near Nakhon Ratchasima, approximately 200 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, at a construction site for Thailand’s ambitious high-speed rail project.

According to the province’s Public Health Provincial Office, seven people sustained severe injuries, and three passengers remained missing from the 171 believed to have been on board the train. The train was traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province when the accident occurred.

Rail authorities identified the equipment involved as a launching gantry crane—a self-supporting structure with vertical legs that typically runs on rails or wheels. These specialized cranes are commonly used in elevated construction projects and allow work to progress along the construction path. The crane was being used to build an elevated section of the railway when it fell onto the passing train.

Dramatic images from the scene showed plumes of white and dark smoke rising from the crash site, with construction equipment dangling from girders between concrete support pillars. Rescue workers were seen climbing atop overturned railway carriages, some with massive holes torn in their sides. Sections of the crane were scattered along the track, highlighting the force of the impact.

Eyewitness Samai Teechantuek, 62, whose house sits about 100 meters from the accident site, described the terrifying moment when the crash occurred. “I heard the noises screeching, and then bam, bam, bam, all the way over there,” she told The Associated Press. “When the dust settled, I saw the top of the train carriage. I heard people shouting ‘save the children first!’ A conductor pulled people out. I saw them pulling many people out.”

“My legs were shaking. I was standing there shaking. I didn’t dare going any closer,” she added.

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has ordered an investigation into the disaster. This is not the first safety incident on the railway project; in August 2024, a railway tunnel on the same planned route collapsed in Nakhon Ratchasima, killing three workers. Heavy rainfall was believed to have contributed to that collapse.

The affected section is part of a major Thai-Chinese high-speed railway project linking Bangkok to Nong Khai province, which borders Laos. This infrastructure development, with a total investment of more than 520 billion baht ($16.8 billion), is associated with China’s Belt and Road Initiative—Beijing’s ambitious plan to connect China with Southeast Asia through improved transportation networks. The specific section where the accident occurred had a budget exceeding 179 billion baht ($5.7 billion) and was originally scheduled to begin operations in 2027.

Anan Phonimdaeng, acting governor of the State Railway of Thailand, identified Italian-Thai Development as the project’s main contractor, with a Chinese company responsible for design and construction supervision. He has ordered the suspension of operations at the site pending a complete investigation and indicated authorities will examine the responsibilities of both companies. The Railway Department plans to take initial legal action against the contractor. Damage to the train is estimated at more than 100 million baht ($3.2 million).

Italian-Thai Development, also known as Italthai, posted a statement on its website expressing condolences and promising to pay compensation to victims’ families and cover hospitalization expenses for the injured.

The tragedy has sparked public outrage because Italthai was also co-lead contractor for Bangkok’s State Audit Building, which collapsed during construction in March following a major earthquake, killing approximately 100 people. That building was the only major structure in Thailand to suffer such catastrophic damage during the seismic event. Dozens of executives were indicted in connection with that disaster, though none have yet been tried.

Both projects involved Chinese companies, raising questions about oversight and safety standards. Italthai and Chinese firms have also been involved in several expressway extensions around Bangkok where multiple accidents, some fatal, have occurred.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who served as interior minister when the State Audit Building collapsed, said that the Comptroller General’s Department and Transport Ministry are responsible for blacklisting contractors, but legal amendments to expedite the process couldn’t be implemented during his brief tenure as interior minister.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed condolences and noted that the Chinese government prioritizes project and personnel safety. “At present, it appears that the relevant section is being constructed by a Thai company, and the cause of the accident is still under investigation,” she said.

The investigation continues as families mourn the victims of this devastating accident on what was supposed to be a flagship infrastructure project connecting Thailand to the broader regional transportation network.