What Caused the Crane Collapse That Led to 22 Deaths in Thailand?
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Synopsis
A tragic crane collapse onto a passenger train in Thailand has led to the death of 22 people and left many injured. The incident has raised urgent safety concerns regarding ongoing construction projects in the country.
Key Takeaways
- 22 lives lost in the crane collapse.
- More than 55 injured, with many in critical condition.
- The accident occurred in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
- Immediate rescue operations were launched after the incident.
- Authorities are investigating the safety protocols of construction sites.
New Delhi, Jan 14 (NationPress) A devastating accident occurred on Wednesday when a passenger train journeying from Bangkok to the northeastern part of Thailand faced a tragic event as a construction crane fell onto one of its coaches. This calamity has resulted in the loss of at least 22 lives and left over 55 individuals injured, as reported by Thai police officials.
The incident transpired around 9:05 am in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, located nearly 230 km northeast of the Thai capital. The train was headed towards Ubon Ratchathani province at the time of the accident.
Initial reports indicate that the crane was part of a construction site for a high-speed railway project running alongside the existing railway line. As the train passed through the area, the crane reportedly became unstable and collapsed, impacting a moving carriage. The collision led to several coaches derailing, with parts of the train briefly igniting, escalating the chaos at the scene.
Footage shared on social media depicted extensive destruction of the train, with rescuers working to cut through twisted metal to assist passengers trapped within the derailed coaches. Emergency personnel, including firefighters, medical teams, and disaster response units, were dispatched promptly to the location to conduct rescue and relief efforts.
The public relations department of the Thai government confirmed the occurrence via the social media platform X, announcing that multiple rescue teams were deployed immediately following the collapse. It was noted that several passengers were trapped inside the carriages during the incident.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn stated that he has directed relevant agencies to undertake a thorough, transparent investigation to ascertain the cause and prevent future occurrences.
Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn mentioned that roughly 195 passengers were aboard the train. Authorities are currently engaged in identifying the victims and providing medical care to those injured, many of whom are reported to be in critical condition.
The crane that collapsed was part of a high-speed rail project estimated to cost around $5.4 billion.
Thailand has experienced various industrial and construction-related accidents in recent years, raising significant concerns regarding safety compliance. In the aftermath of this tragic event, authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the crane collapse and establish accountability.
Point of View
We acknowledge the severity of this tragic incident involving a crane collapse in Thailand. The loss of life and injuries underscore critical safety concerns in construction practices. We stand with the affected families and emphasize the need for stringent safety measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
NationPress
14/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the crane to collapse?
Initial investigations suggest that the crane lost balance while being used at a construction site for a high-speed railway project.
How many people were affected by the accident?
At least 22 individuals have lost their lives, and over 55 others have sustained injuries.
What actions are being taken by the authorities?
Thai officials have initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the crane collapse and ensure accountability.
Where did the accident occur?
The incident took place in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand.
What is the status of the injured passengers?
Many of the injured individuals are reported to be in critical condition and are receiving medical assistance.
