Crane collapse derails train in Thailand, killing at least 32
At least 32 people were killed and 64 others injured after a train derailed and overturned in Thailand when a construction crane collapsed onto it.
- Life
- Published Date: 01:50 | 15 January 2026
- Modified Date: 01:51 | 15 January 2026
According to the Bangkok Post, the train traveling from Bangkok to northeastern Thailand derailed at 9:05 a.m. local time after a crane used in a high-speed rail construction project fell onto the train.
Thai police said the crane, operated as part of a high-speed rail project in Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, about 230 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, collapsed and struck one of the train's carriages while it was in motion.
Authorities said the train was carrying 195 passengers and crew members. Of the 64 injured, seven are in critical condition. A fire that broke out after the derailment was extinguished, and search and rescue operations are ongoing.
Transport Minister Piphat Ratchakitprakan ordered an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said such incidents happen "far too often" and called for changes to the law to blacklist construction companies repeatedly linked to fatal accidents.
Most of the injured have been hospitalized, and an emergency center was set up at the scene to assist passengers with alternative travel arrangements. Officials warned the death toll could rise.