Crane collapses onto passenger train, 22 dead

At least 22 people have died and over 50 were injured after a crane lifting a high-speed rail bridge segment collapsed onto a passenger train traveling from Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat to Ubon Ratchathani. Authorities expect more passengers remain trapped in the wreckage. The accident occurred at 9:13 a.m. local time on Wednesday.

The falling crane caused the train to derail and a fire to break out. Rescue teams arrived at the scene to provide medical aid and use hydraulic cutters to retrieve victims, who were sent to hospitals. The involved train was Special Express No. 21, consisting of three carriages.

The incident took place between Nong Nam Khun and Sikhio stations, an area currently under high-speed rail construction. Preliminary reports suggest a working crane fell onto the tracks. The train, traveling at high speed, collided with the structure, causing a loud impact.