Heavy hearts and stunned rescuers are at the scene in northeastern Thailand, where a construction crane plummeted onto a moving passenger train, triggering a catastrophic derailment early Wednesday.
Officials confirm that at least 22 people have lost their lives and dozens more are injured as emergency crews race against time.
Latest: What We Know Right Now
- Death toll climbs: Thai authorities confirm 22 confirmed dead after the crane struck the train while it was en route from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province.
- Injuries reported: Scores of passengers are hurt, with some in critical condition and rescue teams still pulling people from twisted metal.
- Time & place: The tragedy struck at around 9:05 a.m. in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, about 230 km northeast of Bangkok.
- Train occupancy: Roughly 195 passengers were on board when the accident occurred, government officials say.
How It Happened What Led Up to the Crash
According to local police and transport officials, the crane was part of a high-speed rail construction project positioned above the existing tracks.
At a critical moment when the passenger train was passing underneath the massive crane collapsed onto three carriages, slicing into them and causing the train to derail and briefly catch fire.
Eyewitnesses described a thunderous crash, like metal tearing through concrete, followed by smoke and chaos as the train cars twisted off the rails.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Emergency workers rushed to the wreckage, cutting through debris with hydraulic tools to reach those trapped inside. Local hospitals are overwhelmed with injured passengers as police and health officials try to account for everyone.
The brief fire sparked by the derailment has been extinguished, but scene remains volatile as crews continue search and recovery operations.
Officials Respond Investigation Ordered
Thailand’s Transport Minister, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, has ordered a full investigation into the accident to determine exactly what went wrong and whether safety measures were ignored or failed.
Police chief Thatchapon Chinnawong says recovery work is ongoing and that the number of casualties could rise as more victims are found.
Voices from the Scene
A local resident at the crash site said he heard a loud banging sound right before the collision, followed by explosions and the screech of metal on steel. The next moment, silence then the frantic scramble of rescuers rushing to help.
Why This Is Shocking
Train accidents are always grave, but incidents involving heavy machinery collapsing onto moving trains are rare and raise serious questions about construction safety, coordination, and risk management especially on projects adjacent to active rail lines.
What’s Next (Live)
- More bodies might be recovered as crews continue their work.
- Officials will release updates on injured passengers and their conditions.
- Authorities will likely review construction safety protocols nationwide.
Our Thoughts
This tragedy is unfolding, and it’s a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly normal life can turn upside down. Families, travellers, and entire communities are waiting for news and we’ll continue to update this story as events develop.
