A tragic incident unfolded in Thailand as a passenger train bound for Ubon Ratchathani province derailed when a construction crane collapsed onto one of its coaches, causing the deaths of at least 22 individuals and injuring over 55 others. The mishap occurred in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, about 230 km northeast of Bangkok, at approximately 9:05 am.
Preliminary reports indicate that the crane, utilized in a high-speed railway project adjacent to the existing rail line, lost balance while the train was passing through, leading to its collapse and impact on a moving carriage. This collision resulted in multiple coaches derailing and some parts of the train catching fire, exacerbating the situation at the site. Videos shared on social media depicted significant damage to the train, prompting rescue teams to swiftly respond and aid trapped passengers.
Emergency services, including firefighters, medical teams, and disaster response units, were promptly dispatched to the scene to conduct rescue and relief operations. The Thai government’s public relations department acknowledged the incident on the social media platform X, confirming the deployment of numerous rescue teams to assist passengers trapped inside the carriages during the accident.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn emphasized the need for a thorough and transparent investigation to ascertain the cause of the accident and prevent future occurrences. With approximately 195 passengers on board the train, authorities are currently engaged in identifying the victims and providing medical care to the injured, some of whom are in critical condition.
