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At least 22 people were killed and 64 injured in Thailand Wednesday when a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train, causing it to derail and burst into flames, according to local officials.
The tragic accident occurred in Nakhon Ratchasima province as the train was traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani with nearly 200 passengers on board. The provincial Public Relations Department confirmed that the fire was brought under control, while emergency responders continued searching for survivors potentially trapped inside the wreckage.
“Nineteen bodies have been recovered, but there are still some inside the train carriages that cannot be removed yet because the crane started shifting, so the team pulled back for fear of danger,” Police Col. Thatchapon Chinnawong told reporters. He added that the fatalities were concentrated in two of the three carriages struck by the falling crane.
Transport Minister Piphat Ratchakitprakan confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the accident has been launched. The construction crane was positioned near the tracks when it toppled over, striking the passing train with devastating impact.
Thailand’s rail system, which serves as a vital transportation network throughout the country, has faced scrutiny in recent years over safety concerns and aging infrastructure. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) operates over 4,000 kilometers of track, much of which was constructed during the early to mid-20th century and requires significant modernization.
The accident represents one of the deadliest rail disasters in Thailand’s recent history. In 2020, a freight train collided with a bus in Chachoengsao province, killing at least 17 people. Another serious incident occurred in 2016 when a passenger train collided with a tour bus in Nakhon Pathom province, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Construction near active railway lines poses particular risks when safety protocols are not strictly enforced. The proximity of heavy machinery to operating train tracks requires careful coordination between construction companies and railway authorities.
Rescue operations at the crash site have been complicated by the precarious position of the toppled crane, which authorities fear could shift further and cause additional casualties among rescue workers. Medical teams from surrounding hospitals have been mobilized to treat the injured, with many victims suffering from burns, fractures, and other trauma.
Local residents near the crash site reported hearing a loud crash followed by screams. Many rushed to assist before emergency services arrived, helping to pull survivors from the less damaged sections of the train.
The Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani route is a popular long-distance service connecting the capital with Thailand’s northeastern provinces. The train that was struck was a regular passenger service that typically carries both tourists and local travelers.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and ordered relevant agencies to provide immediate assistance to those affected. The government has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the crane collapse and to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Emergency response teams continue to work at the site, with authorities warning that the death toll could rise as rescue operations proceed. The State Railway of Thailand has temporarily suspended service on the affected line, arranging alternative transportation for travelers.
The incident has renewed calls from safety advocates for increased investment in Thailand’s transportation infrastructure and stricter enforcement of construction safety regulations, particularly when work is conducted near active transportation corridors.
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16 Comments
This is a devastating loss of life. I hope the authorities can determine what caused the crane to collapse and take steps to improve safety standards for rail infrastructure projects.
Agreed. Proper oversight and rigorous safety checks are essential when operating heavy machinery near active rail lines. My heart goes out to all those impacted by this tragedy.
Tragic accident. My condolences to the victims and their families. Hopefully the investigation can shed light on the cause and prevent such incidents in the future.
Yes, these types of accidents are truly devastating. Maintaining strict safety protocols during construction projects is critical to protect both workers and the public.
Devastating. My sincere condolences to all those impacted by this tragic accident. Ensuring proper safety measures and oversight for infrastructure projects near active transportation routes is critical to prevent such incidents.
Agreed. Investigations into the cause of this accident should provide valuable insights to improve safety protocols and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This is a heartbreaking event. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Rigorous safety protocols for construction near rail lines must be a top priority to avoid such devastating consequences.
This is a truly devastating accident. My sincere condolences to the families and communities affected. Ensuring robust safety standards and oversight for infrastructure projects near active transportation networks must be a top priority.
Absolutely. Maintaining the highest levels of safety should be the paramount concern for all parties involved in such projects, to protect both workers and the public.
What a terrible loss of life. My heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones. Thorough investigations are needed to determine the cause and implement measures to enhance safety for rail passengers and construction workers alike.
Terrible news. Incidents like this underscore the importance of robust safety measures and rigorous inspections for construction equipment used near transportation networks. My sympathies to the victims and their loved ones.
Tragic news. My deepest sympathies to the victims and their loved ones. Identifying the root cause of this accident and implementing comprehensive safety measures are crucial to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This is a heartbreaking event. My condolences go out to the families and communities impacted. Thorough investigations to determine the cause and enhance safety protocols for construction projects near active rail lines are essential.
Agreed. Ensuring the highest safety standards for such critical infrastructure projects should be the top priority, to protect both workers and the public.
How tragic. My condolences to the families and communities affected. Thorough investigations into the cause of this accident are crucial to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the safety of rail passengers.
Absolutely. Maintaining high safety standards for infrastructure projects is essential, especially when they involve interactions between construction equipment and active transportation routes.