Bangkok, Thailand — At least 22 people were killed and 55 others injured on Wednesday after a passenger train collided with a collapsed construction crane in northeastern Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima province, according to local media reports.
The accident occurred at around 9:05 a.m. local time when the passenger train, traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani, struck the fallen crane, derailed, and subsequently caught fire. Several coaches were badly damaged, trapping passengers inside the wreckage.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene and used hydraulic cutting tools to rescue passengers trapped in the mangled coaches. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals, where several remain in critical condition.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said he has ordered a transparent and comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the collapse and to ensure such incidents do not recur.
Authorities confirmed that the crane belonged to Italian-Thai Development Plc, which is carrying out civil works under contracts 3 and 4 of the high-speed rail project, covering the Lam Takhong–Sikhiu and Kut Chik–Khok Kruat sections.
The prime minister has directed the State Railway of Thailand and the contractor to provide maximum compensation and assistance to victims and affected families, including additional financial support, as rescue and recovery operations continue.
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