22 Killed, 55 Injured as Passenger Train Hits Crane in Thailand

Bangkok, Jan 14: At least 22 people were killed and 55 others injured after a passenger train collided with a construction crane that had collapsed onto the tracks in Thailand early Wednesday, according to local media reports.

The accident occurred in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province when a passenger train travelling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani struck the crane at an elevated high-speed rail construction site, PBS broadcaster reported. The impact caused the train to derail and triggered fires in several coaches.

Officials said the second and third carriages suffered severe damage, with most casualties reported from these compartments. The train was carrying around 195 passengers and staff at the time of the crash.

Emergency teams from the Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation were rushed to the site along with heavy rescue equipment to carry out relief and rescue operations.

According to the Khaosod newspaper, passengers were trapped inside burning coaches, forcing firefighters and rescue personnel to battle flames while cutting open the carriages to evacuate those trapped inside.

Earlier, Khaosod had reported conflicting figures, initially stating that four people were injured and up to 40 killed, though officials later confirmed the revised toll.

Authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the circumstances that led to the crane collapsing onto the tracks. (Agencies)