A devastating accident in northeast Thailand has left at least 27 people dead and dozens more injured after a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train.
Crane Collapse Causes Derailment and Fire
The incident occurred on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, approximately 143 miles northeast of Bangkok. A large crane, which was being used for work on a high-speed rail project, fell directly onto one of the carriages of a train bound for Ubon Ratchathani province.
The impact caused the train to derail and briefly catch fire. Emergency services extinguished the blaze, but the catastrophic damage had already been done. An official from the State Railway of Thailand confirmed the death toll to Sky News, warning that authorities expect the figure to rise. At least 64 other passengers and staff sustained injuries.
Rescue Operation and Ongoing Investigation
Rescue efforts are ongoing at the scene. The Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, Anan Pothinimdaeng, stated he travelled to the site immediately after being notified to oversee passenger assistance and coordinate with medical units.
According to the train's seating plan, there were 195 passengers and staff on board at the time of the accident. Officials are still working to verify the identities of all those involved.
In response to the tragedy, Transport Minister Piphat Ratchakitprakan has ordered a full investigation into the cause of the crane's collapse. A government statement conveyed his deepest condolences to the victims' families and his concern for all affected passengers and members of the public.
Context and Aftermath
The crane was part of significant infrastructure development in the region, highlighting the potential dangers associated with large-scale construction projects near active transport lines. This tragic event underscores critical questions about safety protocols on such sites.
As rescue workers continue their grim task, the nation's focus remains on the victims and their families, while authorities seek answers to prevent a catastrophe of this scale from happening again.
