At Least 22 Dead, Scores Injured After Crane Collapse Derails Train in Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand: A devastating accident in northeastern Thailand has left at least 22 people dead and more than 30 injured after a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train, causing it to derail and briefly catch fire, local authorities confirmed on Wednesday.

The incident occurred at around 9:05 a.m. local time in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, approximately 230 km (143 miles) northeast of Bangkok, when the train was travelling from the capital to Ubon Ratchathani province.

According to police and provincial officials, the crane was part of work on a high-speed rail project when it suddenly collapsed onto the passing train. The force of the impact caused several carriages to derail and sparked a fire that was later extinguished by emergency responders.

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BREAKING: Crane collapse derails train in Thailand, killing 22, police say pic.twitter.com/iz0hfVslAR

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Local police chief Thatchapon Chinnawong said more than 30 people were injured, and rescue teams are continuing to work at the scene to free passengers trapped in the wreckage and transport the wounded to nearby hospitals.

Reports indicate that approximately 195 passengers were on board at the time of the crash. Transport officials have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crane failure and subsequent derailment.

Scenes from the site show emergency personnel cutting through metal and debris as rescue operations continue, with smoke still rising from parts of the damaged train. Authorities have expressed concern that the casualty figures could rise as recovery efforts progress.

The high-speed railway project involved is part of a larger infrastructure initiative backed by international partners and intended to enhance connectivity across the region.