Deadly crane collapse strikes moving train in Thailand, dozens killed

A major rail disaster in Thailand has left at least 32 people dead after a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train near Bangkok, authorities confirmed Wednesday. The crash injured at least 66 others, including seven people who remain in critical condition.

The accident occurred around 9 a.m. as the train was travelling from Bangkok toward the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani. Officials said about 171 passengers were on board at the time, many of them students and workers commuting between regions.

According to Thailand’s State Railway, the crane was part of an ongoing construction project near the tracks when it fell directly onto the train. The impact caused the train to derail, and one of the carriages caught fire, complicating rescue efforts for emergency crews.

Railway officials have launched a formal investigation into the collapse and said initial findings point to possible safety violations at the construction site. The government has indicated legal action will be pursued against the construction company responsible if negligence is confirmed.

The incident has raised renewed concerns about construction safety standards near transportation corridors in Thailand, where rapid infrastructure development has increased risks for commuters. Authorities say rail services along the affected route remain partially suspended while inspections continue.