Nakhon ratchasima: Authorities are investigating the cause of a construction crane collapsing onto a train, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of a construction crane collapsing onto a Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani passenger train. Initial reports indicate 22 fatalities and over 50 injuries, with more passengers believed to still be trapped in the wreckage.
According to Thai News Agency, the accident occurred at 9:13 AM when a crane lifting a high-speed railway bridge collapsed onto a passenger train as it was passing through the Ban Thanon Khot area of Sikhiu District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. This caused the train to derail and catch fire, resulting in dozens of injuries and fatalities.
Following the incident, rescue units from Hook 31 Nakhon Ratchasima, Phromtham Sikhiu Rescue, Sawang Wichai Pak Chong Rescue, and Sung Noen Rescue rushed to the scene to assist the injured. They used hydraulic cutters to extract the bodies of the deceased and the injured, transporting them to Sikhiu Hospital, Sung Noen Hospital, and Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital.
According to the information, the train in question was Express Passenger Train No. 21, consisting of three carriages. It departed from Bangkok Apiwat Station, bound for Ubon Ratchathani Province. Upon reaching the accident site between Nong Nam Khun and Sikhiu stations, where high-speed rail construction was taking place, the initial cause is believed to be a crane under construction falling onto the train tracks. At the same time, the passenger train from Bangkok Apiwat Station to Ubon Ratchathani was traveling at high speed and collided with the crane with a loud bang. This caused the crane above to fall further onto the train, resulting in the derailment. However, further investigation by relevant agencies is needed to determine the exact cause.
As of 11:08 AM, rescue team Hook 31 Nakhon Ratchasima confirmed 22 fatalities and 55 injuries. The train was carrying approximately 190 passengers (death and injury tolls awaiting confirmation). Rescue workers and related agencies are still working to assist many more stranded passengers. Police and the State Railway of Thailand are currently investigating the cause of the accident.
Reporters went to the scene and interviewed one of the train passengers, who recounted that he was traveling from Don Mueang to Sisaket Province. He had been asleep the entire way but was startled awake by the sound of a crane falling onto the train's roof. The locomotive then pulled the crane's cable, causing a train car to be detached from the tracks.
Construction workers on the railway project reported that the crane used for the high-speed rail construction broke and fell just as a train was approaching. As a result, the second and third carriages of the train became entangled with the crane, causing the train to derail.