On 14/1, a train traveling from Krung Thep Aphiwat station to Ubon Ratchathani was struck by a falling crane. The incident occurred beneath a construction site in Sikhio district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, 230 km northeast of Bangkok. The crane, which was lifting concrete for an elevated railway project, suddenly fell, hitting the moving train below.

The train, which departed from Krung Thep Aphiwat station for Ubon Ratchathani on 14/1, was struck by a falling crane while traveling beneath a construction site in Sikhio district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, 230 km northeast of Bangkok.

The impact caused the train to derail and burst into intense flames. Images from the scene revealed severely damaged train carriages, with some appearing deformed.

According to local authorities, the crane was lifting concrete for an elevated railway project when it fell, striking the moving train below.

The impact with the crane caused the train to derail and burst into flames.

Thailand's Minister of Transport, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, stated that 195 people were on board at the time of the accident. He has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. Police official Thatchapon Chinnawong reported that at least 25 people died and 80 were injured. Rescue teams are continuing their search for victims still trapped inside the wreckage.

The fatalities were primarily located in the three train carriages struck by the falling crane.

The rescue team at the accident site.

The fatalities were primarily located in the three train carriages directly struck by the falling crane. Adding to the complexity of the rescue efforts, a "chemical leak" also occurred at the scene, hindering operations.

A "chemical leak" also occurred at the scene, hindering rescue operations.

Victims sat along the roadside, awaiting first aid from medical personnel and transfer to hospitals. Police official Thatchapon stated that hospitals were being asked to report the number of victims in critical condition.

Mitr Intrpanya, 54 years old, a local resident present at the scene, recounted the moments leading up to the disaster. He stated that around 9 h, he heard a loud noise as if something had fallen from a height, followed by two explosions. Intrpanya further described, "When I went to see what had happened, I saw the crane lying on the passenger train, which consisted of three carriages. A piece of metal from the crane appeared to have struck the middle of the second carriage, splitting it in half."

Rescue teams and sniffer dogs were present at the scene.

Thailand's railway network spans approximately 5,000 km. However, it is somewhat dilapidated, leading residents to prefer road travel over rail.

Photos: AFP, Reuters, Khaosod