NAKHON RATCHASIMA, THAILAND — A major tragedy struck the Thai railway system on Wednesday morning when a construction crane toppled onto a moving passenger train, leaving at least 22 people dead and dozens more injured.
The accident occurred in Nakhon Ratchasima province, located north of the capital, Bangkok. According to reports, the heavy machinery collapsed directly onto a carriage while the train was in motion, causing catastrophic damage to the structure.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but officials warn that the death toll is expected to rise. Rescue teams are currently engaged in a desperate effort to clear the debris and recover bodies from the wrecked train car.
According to the train’s official seating plan, there were 195 passengers and staff members on board at the time of the collision.
Authorities have moved quickly to launch an inquiry into the disaster. The Governor of the State Railway of Thailand has been called upon to lead a “thorough and comprehensive” investigation to determine the cause of the crane’s collapse and ensure accountability.
Deadly construction accidents are not uncommon in Thailand, due in part to poor enforcement of standards and regulations.
In 2023, a freight train collided with a pick-up truck that was crossing railway tracks in the country’s east, killing eight people and injuring four others.
Last year, a high-rise construction site in Bangkok collapsed after an earthquake, killing more than 100 people and drawing attention to long-standing flaws in the sector.
According to a study by the Workmen’s Compensation Fund in 2022, more than 4,500 workers were killed or injured in construction accidents the previous year.
Key Details at a Glance
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Location: Nakhon Ratchasima province (North of Bangkok).
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Time: Wednesday Morning.
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Casualties: At least 22 dead; dozens injured.
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Persons on Board: 195 (passengers and crew).
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Status: Rescue operations ongoing; investigation ordered.
