A catastrophic accident in northeast Thailand has claimed at least 19 lives after a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train. The incident, which occurred in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, caused the train to derail and briefly catch fire, leaving dozens more injured.
Details of the Disaster
The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday 14 January 2026. According to police reports, the crane, which was being used for work on a high-speed rail project, fell directly onto one of the carriages of the moving train. The impact caused the train to derail and sparked a fire, which has since been extinguished. Transport Minister Piphat Ratchakitprakan confirmed that there were 195 people on board the service, which was travelling to Ubon Ratchathani province at the time.
Rescue and Response Efforts
Emergency services are currently engaged in a major rescue operation at the site, approximately 143 miles northeast of Bangkok. Minister Ratchakitprakan has stated that he has ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the accident. The number of fatalities is feared to rise as rescue teams continue their work to clear the wreckage and assist the injured.
Ongoing Investigation and Aftermath
The focus now turns to understanding how this tragic failure occurred. The crane was a key piece of equipment for the high-speed rail infrastructure project in the region. This incident raises serious questions about safety protocols at construction sites adjacent to active railway lines. The community and the nation await further updates as authorities work through the complex aftermath of this devastating event.
