New Delhi [India], January 15 (ANI): A tragic rail disaster unfolded on Wednesday in Thailand’s northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima province when a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train, causing it to derail and resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.
The accident occurred at around 9:05 a.m. local time in Ban Thanon Khot in Sikhio district, commonly known as Korat, when a large launching gantry crane being used to build an elevated section of a high-speed rail project suddenly fell onto the Bangkok–Ubon Ratchathani passenger train No. 21 as it passed beneath the construction site, the Bangkok Post reported.
Initial reports from Thai authorities confirmed that at least 32 people were killed and dozens injured in the collision. Many passengers were trapped inside the wreckage, prompting extensive rescue operations focused on extrication and emergency medical treatment. Provincial public health officials said between 64 and 66 passengers were injured, while three people remained missing.
Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud crash followed by explosions as the crane’s heavy steel structure and concrete load struck the middle carriages of the train. Two coaches were severely damaged, and one caught fire, sending smoke billowing from the site as rescue workers struggled under difficult conditions to evacuate survivors, according to the Bangkok Post.
The train was traveling at an estimated speed of about 120 kilometers per hour when the structure collapsed. Officials said many of the casualties were concentrated in the second carriage, which was hit most directly and later caught fire, trapping passengers before rescue teams could gain full access.
The high-speed rail line under construction is part of a major Thai-Chinese infrastructure project intended to eventually link Bangkok with Kunming in China via Laos. The segment where the accident occurred is being built by Italian-Thai Development Plc, which has expressed regret over the incident and pledged compensation to the families of the victims.
Thai authorities, including Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the collapse and said accountability and safety protocols would be rigorously reviewed. The State Railway of Thailand announced disruptions along the affected route, with rerouting and cancellations in place as emergency operations continued.
The tragedy drew international condolences, including from India. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended sympathy to those injured. Indian officials reaffirmed solidarity with Thailand and emphasized the importance of cooperation during times of disaster.
In a post on X, Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and injuries in the train accident in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, on January 14, 2026. Our heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of Thailand during this hour of grief. We extend our deepest sympathies to the affected families and wish a swift recovery to all those injured.”
As investigations continue and rescue operations wind down, attention is shifting toward comprehensive structural safety reviews and stronger regulatory oversight of large-scale infrastructure projects across Thailand to prevent similar tragedies in the future. (ANI)
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