22 killed, over 30 injured as freak crane collapse derails train in Thailand

At least 22 people were killed and more than 30 injured after a passenger train was derailed by a collapsing construction crane in Thailand on Wednesday morning. The accident occurred in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, around 230 km northeast of Bangkok, according to reports.

The train was travelling from Thailand’s capital Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province in the country’s northeast when the mishap took place. Police said a crane working on an under-construction high-speed rail project fell onto the moving train, striking one of its carriages.

The impact caused several coaches to derail and briefly catch fire. Emergency services rushed to the scene, and the fire was later brought under control. Rescue teams began cutting through mangled metal to reach passengers trapped inside the damaged carriages.

Thailand’s public relations department said multiple rescue units were deployed immediately, adding that many passengers were trapped at the time of the accident. Authorities confirmed that around 195 passengers were on board the train.

Police officials said identification of the victims is underway, while the injured are being treated at nearby hospitals, with several reported to be in critical condition. A detailed investigation has been ordered to determine the cause of the crane collapse and fix responsibility.