Crane collapses onto train in Thailand, killing at least 22 and injuring 55

At least 22 people were killed and 55 others injured on Wednesday when a large construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train in northeastern Thailand. The accident occurred in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province as the Special Express Train No. 21, traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani with 195 passengers and staff onboard, passed beneath a high-speed rail bridge under construction.

Derailment and Fire Following Collapse

The falling crane struck one of the train's carriages, causing derailment and igniting a fire within the wreckage. Emergency rescue teams were dispatched to the scene and launched a major operation to extract victims from the damaged train. Dozens of the injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The crane was being used for a government-led high-speed rail infrastructure project, raising immediate questions about construction site safety protocols and oversight.

Rescue Operations and Investigation Underway

Authorities are focusing on search and rescue efforts while beginning a preliminary investigation into the cause of the collapse. Early reports suggest a structural or operational failure at the construction site as the likely catalyst. The incident has temporarily halted rail services on the line and drawn national attention to the safety risks associated with major infrastructure projects, especially where construction interfaces with active transportation corridors.

Context of Infrastructure Safety in Thailand

This accident marks one of the deadliest rail-related construction incidents in recent Thai history. It is expected to prompt a thorough review of safety regulations and enforcement at civil engineering sites across the country, particularly those involving overhead work above operational railways. The government has expressed condolences to the victims' families and pledged full support for the investigation and victim assistance.