22 killed as crane collapses onto moving train in Thailand

At least 22 people were killed and more than 30 others injured when a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train in Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima province on Wednesday morning (January 14), authorities said.

The accident ook place in Sikhiu district, about 235 kilometres northeast of Bangkok, at a site linked to an under-construction high-speed rail project, reports BBC.

Local police chief Thachapon Chinnawong said the injured were taken to nearby hospitals, while efforts were under way to identify the victims.

According to police and local media reports, the train was travelling toward Ubon Ratchathani when the crane crashed onto one of its carriages, causing the train to derail. A fire broke out briefly following the impact. Rescue operations were launched immediately.

Videos circulating on social media showed emergency workers cutting through twisted metal to reach passengers trapped in the wreckage.

The State Railway of Thailand said the train was carrying about 195 passengers, though the exact number remains unconfirmed.

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn ordered a “full and comprehensive investigation” into the incident, including whether safety standards were properly followed and whether any negligence occurred during construction.