A catastrophic construction accident in north-eastern Thailand has resulted in significant casualties after a massive crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train. The incident, which occurred at approximately 09:00 local time (02:00 GMT), claimed 28 lives and left 64 people injured, including eight in critical condition. Among the wounded were passengers ranging from a one-year-old infant to an 85-year-old elderly person.
The train, traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province with 195 passengers onboard, was struck by the falling crane from an elevated railway construction project. The impact derailed the train and crushed multiple carriages, with one carriage catching fire immediately after the collision. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to evacuate all passengers from the mangled wreckage, transporting the injured to regional hospitals for treatment.
The construction crane was part of a China-backed infrastructure initiative to connect Bangkok with neighboring Laos through a new railway system. This project parallels the existing Chinese-built high-speed line that already operates between Laos and south-western China.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has demanded accountability for the tragedy, stating that ‘accidents like this can only happen due to negligence, skipped steps, deviations from the design, or the use of incorrect materials.’ The government has launched a formal investigation into the incident, which represents the latest in a series of fatal accidents attributed to safety lapses in Thailand’s construction industry. Survivor Thirasak Wongsoongnern, a train staff member, described being thrown into the air along with other passengers upon impact.
This tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about construction safety standards in Thailand, where weak enforcement of regulations has previously led to similar deadly incidents.