At least 22 people have been confirmed dead and more than 50 others injured following a high-speed rail construction crane falling onto a passing passenger train in the Sikhio district. The crash happened at around 9:05 a.m., which led to multiple carriages derailing and a short-lived but fierce fire.
The Moment of Impact
The train, which is a dedicated express service from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani, was carrying nearly 200 passengers when the tragedy struck. A crane currently on an elevated high-speed railway bridge project, contributing to the large China-backed rail link, toppled over, local police chief Thatchapon Chinnawong said.
Witnesses said a heavy metal structure struck the center carriages of the oncoming train with the impact being deafeningly loud. The impact caused several cars to come loose off the tracks and run into the construction site.
Rescue efforts and casualties
Emergency responders from across the province were dispatched to the site in Ban Thanon Kot village. Rescuers were forced to use hydraulic cutters to cut through passengers trapped in the mangled steel wreckage. Death toll: A total of 22 killed officials at the scene fears that might rise further as severely injured passengers get treated. Injuries: More than 55 were rushed to nearby hospitals, most with extensive trauma, broken limbs, and smoke inhalation.
Evacuation
The remaining 130+ passengers were evacuated and given temporary shelter and medical screening. Investigation And Government Response. Thailand's Ministry of Transport has ordered immediate and urgent investigation into the safety of the high-speed rail's operations at the site.
Initial reports are suggesting a mechanical failure (or structural instability) of the base of the crane may have resulted however authorities are also investigating whether it was part of the effect of recent weather. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has called off service on the northeastern line until the wreckage has been disentangled and the tracks are inspected for structural issues.
