Tragedy Strikes Thailand as Crane Collapses onto Passenger Train, Killing at Least 32
A devastating accident has occurred in Nakhon Ratchasima province, north-east of Bangkok, where a crane collapsed onto a passenger train, derailing it and resulting in the deaths of at least 32 people. The incident, which is being investigated by authorities, also left scores injured.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as one of utter chaos, with the broken crane structure resting on giant concrete pillars and smoke billowing from the wreckage below. Rescuers worked tirelessly to extract passengers from the tilted carriages, where many were trapped or injured.
According to local resident Mitr Intrpanya, who witnessed the accident firsthand, the crane appeared to strike the middle of the second carriage with such force that it sliced through the metal and severed three carriages in half. The impact was described as a loud noise followed by two explosions, sending shockwaves throughout the area.
The health ministry has confirmed that 32 people have died, while 64 others are receiving treatment for their injuries. Seven of those injured are reported to be in serious condition.
At the construction site where the accident occurred, which is part of a $5.4 billion project backed by Beijing to build a high-speed rail network in Thailand, authorities are struggling to determine the cause of the crane collapse. The project aims to connect Bangkok to Kunming in China via Laos by 2028 as part of China's Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has vowed to hold anyone responsible accountable for the accident. He stated that incidents like this are "very regular" and called on lawmakers to reconsider blacklisting construction companies that have a history of repeated accidents.
A devastating accident has occurred in Nakhon Ratchasima province, north-east of Bangkok, where a crane collapsed onto a passenger train, derailing it and resulting in the deaths of at least 32 people. The incident, which is being investigated by authorities, also left scores injured.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as one of utter chaos, with the broken crane structure resting on giant concrete pillars and smoke billowing from the wreckage below. Rescuers worked tirelessly to extract passengers from the tilted carriages, where many were trapped or injured.
According to local resident Mitr Intrpanya, who witnessed the accident firsthand, the crane appeared to strike the middle of the second carriage with such force that it sliced through the metal and severed three carriages in half. The impact was described as a loud noise followed by two explosions, sending shockwaves throughout the area.
The health ministry has confirmed that 32 people have died, while 64 others are receiving treatment for their injuries. Seven of those injured are reported to be in serious condition.
At the construction site where the accident occurred, which is part of a $5.4 billion project backed by Beijing to build a high-speed rail network in Thailand, authorities are struggling to determine the cause of the crane collapse. The project aims to connect Bangkok to Kunming in China via Laos by 2028 as part of China's Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has vowed to hold anyone responsible accountable for the accident. He stated that incidents like this are "very regular" and called on lawmakers to reconsider blacklisting construction companies that have a history of repeated accidents.