At Least 22 Dead in Thailand Train Crash

At least 22 people have been killed and scores more injured after a passenger train derailed in Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima province when a construction crane collapsed onto the tracks, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.

The tragedy unfolded at around 9:05 a.m. local time in the Sikhio district, roughly 230 km northeast of Bangkok, as the train was heading from the capital to Ubon Ratchathani province.

According to preliminary reports, the crane was part of an elevated rail project when it fell from above onto the moving train. The impact caused the train to derail and triggered a fire in several carriages.

Thai officials said at least 22 people lost their lives, and nearly 80 others were wounded, with emergency responders still working to free trapped passengers and transport the injured to nearby hospitals.

Rescue teams, including local medics and volunteers, have been coordinating efforts at the scene, where the twisted wreckage of carriages and crane debris made access difficult.

The train was reported to be carrying around 195 passengers at the time of the accident, among them students and local commuters. Officials have launched an investigation into why the crane collapsed and whether safety protocols were properly followed during the high-speed rail construction project.

Transport authorities have pledged full cooperation with investigators and expressed condolences to the families affected by this devastating accident.

The situation remains fluid as emergency crews continue their work and the toll may change as more information comes to light.