Crane collapses on moving train in Thailand, at least 19 killed

At least 19 people were killed and around 80 injured after a construction crane collapsed onto a moving train in northeastern Thailand.

At least 19 people were killed and around 80 injured after a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train in Sikhio district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeast of Bangkok, on Wednesday morning, police told Reuters. The train was traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani Province when the accident occurred.

The crane, part of a high-speed rail construction project, fell onto one of the carriages, causing the train to derail and briefly catch fire. Local authorities said more bodies may still be trapped in the wreckage, and rescue operations are ongoing.

Emergency teams rushed to the scene to extinguish the fire and assist survivors. Aid workers were seen helping passengers and transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Authorities have cordoned off the area to allow for recovery and investigation.

Thailand has been rapidly expanding its high-speed rail network to improve connectivity between Bangkok and northeastern provinces. Safety concerns have been raised in the past over construction projects and equipment maintenance.

The State Railway of Thailand has implemented emergency response protocols for accidents, but experts say that incidents involving heavy construction machinery on active tracks pose significant risks.

Police and railway officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the crane collapse, examining whether mechanical failure, human error, or safety protocol lapses contributed to the tragedy.

The government expressed condolences to the victims’ families and promised a thorough investigation, while local authorities continue rescue operations and assess the structural integrity of the railway infrastructure to prevent further accidents.

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