A public bus erupted in flames almost instantly after being struck by a freight train at a central Bangkok railway crossing on 16/5. The fire quickly engulfed the vehicle, killing at least eight people and injuring 32.
The accident occurred near Makkasan station on the Airport Rail Link. A container train collided with the public bus, which had become stuck on the tracks due to heavy traffic and a red light ahead. Thai police have charged the train driver with reckless driving causing death.
Urumporn Koondejsumrit, chief of Makkasan police, stated that investigators prosecuted the train driver due to evidence of careless operation, which led to serious casualties. The bus driver will also face charges after completing hospital treatment. Authorities are considering additional related charges.
According to the Thai Ministry of Transport, the bus stopped across the tracks, preventing the safety barrier from lowering in time. The freight train was unable to brake to avoid the collision. A witness, a motorbike taxi driver near the scene, reported that flames erupted almost immediately after the impact.
Thai officials are investigating whether the warning system at the crossing malfunctioned.
Firefighters and rescue teams spent hours controlling the blaze, rescuing trapped victims, and searching the scene. All eight fatalities were identified as passengers on the bus.
Following the incident, the railway line through the Makkasan area has resumed operation. Thai Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat announced plans to tighten safety inspections at railway crossings and enhance supervision to prevent similar accidents.
Some Bangkok residents expressed long-standing concerns about accident risks at this crossing, noting that many drivers intentionally cross even when stop signals are present. "The accident should not have happened. I want all drivers to understand and obey traffic laws better," a 20-year-old train passenger told Reuters.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Thailand is among the countries with the highest road accident fatality rates globally, primarily due to lax enforcement of safety regulations.
Pham Hai (according to Reuters)
