NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand — A construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train in northeastern Thailand on Wednesday, killing at least 28 people and injuring dozens more, according to provincial officials and local media reports.
The derailment occurred around 9 a.m. local time in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, where crews were using a large crane to build an elevated section of a China‑backed high‑speed rail project. The crane suddenly fell onto Special Express Train No. 21 as it traveled from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani at approximately 120 km/h, slicing into several carriages and forcing them off the tracks.
Officials said 195 passengers were on board at the time of the crash.
Carriages Crushed, One Catches Fire
Images from the scene showed mangled metal, shattered windows and a carriage engulfed in smoke. One car briefly caught fire after the impact, and rescue workers were seen climbing through the wreckage to reach trapped passengers.
Police said the crane was part of an overhead rail construction site positioned above the active train line. The structure collapsed without warning as the train passed beneath it.
Dozens Injured, Hospitals Overwhelmed
Authorities reported 64 to 79 people injured, with victims suffering burns, fractures and head trauma. Emergency crews evacuated all passengers and transported the wounded to hospitals across the region.
Rescue teams continued searching the wreckage for hours as officials worked to confirm the final death toll.
Part of China‑Backed Rail Project
The crane was being used to build an elevated section of a high‑speed rail line designed to connect Bangkok with Laos, where a Chinese‑built railway already links to southwestern China. The project has faced scrutiny over safety standards following previous construction‑related accidents.
Government Orders Full Investigation
Thailand’s government ordered an immediate investigation into the collapse, including whether safety protocols were followed and why the crane failed while a passenger train was passing underneath. Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed the number of passengers on board and said authorities are examining whether negligence contributed to the disaster.
China offered condolences following the deadly incident.
