Thai Train Derails After Colliding with Fallen Crane, Causing 22 Deaths, 79 Injuries, 8 Seriously Injured

The Bangkok Post and BBC report that a train traveling from Bangkok to Ubon collided with a collapsed construction crane while passing through Sikhiu District. Police have confirmed that 22 people have died, 79 others were injured, with 8 in serious condition.

This incident occurred at 9:05 am local time, at the Ban Ta Non Khod village railway section in Sikhiu District, about 230 kilometers northeast of Bangkok. At the time of the accident, the train was heading to Ubon Ratchathani Province, and multiple rescue units quickly rushed to the scene to carry out rescue operations.

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) stated that the train was Special Express No. 21, consisting of three cars. According to the seat manifest, there were a total of 195 crew members and passengers.

Preliminary reports indicated that a crane, used for constructing a high-speed rail bridge, collapsed, spanning the tracks and blocking passage. An approaching passenger train struck the fallen crane, derailed, and other construction materials also fell onto the carriages. The collision caused a fire, and rescue personnel had to use hydraulic cutters to free trapped passengers from the wreckage. However, a BBC report provided a different account. Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Police Chief Tachaphon told the BBC: "A construction crane collapsed and struck a moving train departing from Bangkok."

The injured were later transported to local hospitals in Sikhiu and Sung Noen districts. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Pipat stated that he has received related reports and has ordered SRT to investigate the cause of the crane collapse.