At least 27 dead after crane falls on to train in Thailand

At least 27 people have been killed after a construction crane fell on top of a moving train in northeast Thailand, an official from the State Railway of Thailand told Sky News.

She added that authorities expect the figure to rise.

At least 64 others have been injured after the crane hit one of the carriages, causing the train to derail and briefly catch fire.

Officials have said the identities of the passengers and staff on board the train, which was bound for Ubon Ratchathani province, are still being verified.

Reports indicate there were 195 passengers and staff on board, based on the train's seating plan.

Transport minister Piphat Ratchakitprakan said he has ordered an investigation into the accident, with rescue efforts ongoing.

He expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and his concern for all passengers and members of the public affected, according to a government statement.

The crane was being used in work on a high-speed rail project in the ​Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, some 143 miles northeast of ‍Bangkok.

The Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, Anan Pothinimdaeng, said he went to the scene of the accident as soon as he was notified to oversee assistance for passengers and coordinate with medical units and relevant agencies caring for the injured.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive Breaking News alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News App. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.