Morning commuters and travelers were thrown into chaos in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, when a construction crane unexpectedly toppled onto a moving train.
The catastrophic incident occurred around 9 a.m. local time, sending passengers into panic and leaving a trail of destruction along the tracks.
The train, Special Express Number 21, was carrying roughly 195 passengers—including both locals and tourists—on its journey from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima province.
Eyewitnesses described screams and confusion as the crane crashed into the train roof, with debris raining down and multiple carriages derailing in the impact.
Emergency Teams Rush to the Scene
Police and paramedics responded immediately, struggling to reach passengers trapped inside the mangled carriages.
Many victims were treated at the scene before being rushed to nearby hospitals, including Sikhio, Sung Noen, and Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima.
Authorities confirmed that at least 25 people lost their lives, while more than 60 sustained injuries ranging from minor cuts to severe trauma affecting the head, face, chest, and legs.
Among the seriously injured were a one-year-old girl and an 85-year-old man, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the tragedy.
Firsthand Accounts Paint a Grim Picture
Survivors recounted the terrifying moments when the crane struck.
Seventy-year-old Dao Boonpanya, who managed to escape, said, “I was asleep when I heard a loud crash.
The crane fell onto the train roof, and the locomotive dragged it along, tearing the carriage off the tracks.”
A railway construction worker added context, explaining that the crane had been used in building a concrete platform for a new high-speed rail project.
“The crane suddenly broke and fell just as the train was passing, causing the second and third carriages to derail,” he said.
Project Background and International Attention
The crane was part of a £4 billion high-speed rail initiative meant to link Bangkok with Kunming, China.
Chinese authorities have expressed concern for safety at the construction site, though Thai companies were reportedly managing the section involved.
The Governor of the State Railway of Thailand has been called on to conduct a “thorough and comprehensive” investigation into the accident.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul demanded accountability, noting that negligence, skipped procedures, or incorrect materials could have contributed to the disaster.
He referenced past incidents on the project, including a tunnel collapse roughly a year ago.
Rail Services Disrupted
Following the crash, the State Railway of Thailand has adjusted multiple train services.
Two have been canceled, and twelve others will follow altered routes.
Passengers holding tickets for affected journeys are entitled to full refunds, the railway operator confirmed.
Officials are now focused on investigating potential construction errors and procedural lapses, aiming to prevent a repeat of this tragic event.
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