Thailand Rail Tragedy: Inside Story Of How A Crane Collapse Derailed A Train, Leaving 22 Dead

Last Updated:January 14, 2026, 15:10 IST

Crane falls on a moving train in Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima, causing derailment and fire. At least 22 killed on the Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani route

A crane from a China-backed rail project collapsed onto a speeding passenger train in Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima, causing derailment and fire that killed at least 22 people.

On Wednesday morning, Nakhon Ratchasima province in Thailand witnessed chaos and panic as a passenger train derailed after a crane fell onto it. The train, travelling at full speed, derailed instantly, caught fire, and claimed the lives of 22 people.

Crane Part Of China-Backed High-Speed Rail Project

The crane involved in the accident was part of a $5.4 billion high-speed rail project, supported by China, which aims to connect Bangkok to Kunming via Laos. It was being used for construction work on the project at the time of the incident.

According to the news agency PTI, the crash happened at approximately 9 am while the train was en route from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani. Passengers were unaware of the impending disaster until the crane struck the moving train.

Officials reported that the crane’s impact caused several train cars to derail and catch fire. Passengers screamed in terror, with some initially mistaking the sound for an explosion.

Casualties And Rescue Efforts

Local police chief Thachapon Chinawong confirmed that 22 people died in the accident. Rescue teams are still searching the wreckage for survivors and assisting the injured. Authorities warn that the death toll could rise.

Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn stated that there were 195 passengers aboard the train. Identification of the victims is ongoing.

Television footage showed emergency workers navigating twisted metal, while the brightly coloured passenger train lay derailed to one side, smoke rising from several carriages.

Investigation Ordered

Industrial and construction accidents are relatively common in Thailand and are often attributed to poor safety standards. Officials have launched a formal investigation into Wednesday’s crash to determine the cause and assign accountability.

The crane was part of the high-speed rail project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to complete the Bangkok–Kunming route by 2028. The accident has raised concerns over safety measures on large infrastructure projects in the country.

News world Thailand Rail Tragedy: Inside Story Of How A Crane Collapse Derailed A Train, Leaving 22 Dead

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