At least 22 people were killed and dozens more injured on Wednesday when a construction crane toppled onto a passenger train in northeastern Thailand, authorities confirmed.
The train, carrying 195 passengers from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani, derailed after the crane, part of an elevated high-speed railway project, fell onto its carriages in Nakhon Ratchasima province, according to the Associated Press. The impact caused several carriages to catch fire.
Transport Minister Piphat Ratchakitprakan said a full investigation has been ordered. “We are treating this as a top priority and will determine how such a serious accident occurred,” he said.
Rescuers brought the fire under control and were working to reach passengers trapped inside. At least 64 people were injured, eight of them seriously, including a one-year-old girl and an 85-year-old man, the Ministry of Public Health reported. A train staff member recalled the moment of impact: “We were thrown into the air when the crane hit. It was terrifying.”
Most passengers were students and workers travelling from Pak Chong railway station. In the aftermath, the State Railway of Thailand suspended two services and rerouted 12 others, offering full refunds for affected tickets.
Construction accidents are not uncommon in Thailand, often attributed to weak safety enforcement. Authorities have called on the Governor of the State Railway of Thailand to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash.