Deadly Train Crash in Thailand Leaves Over 20 Dead at China-Funded Railway Site

Thailand Train Accident: Crane Collapse at China-Backed High-Speed Rail Project Kills 22, Injures Dozens

Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand — At least 22 people were killed and more than 80 injured after a crane collapsed onto a passenger train at a China-backed high-speed rail construction site in Thailand, triggering one of the country’s deadliest rail accidents in recent years, authorities confirmed Wednesday.

The Thailand train accident occurred in Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeast of Bangkok, when a massive crane from an elevated construction zone fell onto a moving passenger train, causing it to derail and catch fire.

Footage verified by AFP showed the twisted remains of the crane resting on concrete pillars, while thick smoke billowed from derailed train carriages below. Rescue workers were seen pulling passengers from tilted and damaged rail cars amid fears of further structural collapse.

Death Toll and Injuries Confirmed

District police chief Thatchapon Chinnawong told AFP that 22 deaths had been confirmed, with around 80 passengers injured, several of whom remain in critical condition.

“We are coordinating with hospitals to confirm how many victims are in serious condition,” Thatchapon said.

The train was carrying 195 passengers and was traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani, according to Thailand’s Transport Ministry.

Witnesses Describe Terrifying Moments

Local resident Mitr Intrpanya, 54, described hearing a loud crash followed by explosions.

“It sounded like something sliding from above, then two explosions,” he said. “The crane landed directly on the train. The metal sliced the second carriage in half.”

China-Backed Belt and Road Railway Project

The accident occurred at a construction site linked to a $5.4 billion China-backed high-speed rail project, a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The railway aims to connect Bangkok to Kunming in China via Laos by 2028, strengthening regional trade and transportation links.

Once completed, the 600-kilometer high-speed rail line will allow Chinese-made trains to operate at speeds of up to 250 km/h, connecting Bangkok to Nong Khai on the Laos border.

Rescue Efforts Halted Over Chemical Leak

Rescue operations were temporarily suspended due to a chemical leak at the site, authorities said, raising further safety concerns.

Live broadcasts from local media showed emergency teams battling smoke as the brightly colored train lay derailed on its side.

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn ordered an urgent investigation into the cause of the accident and instructed officials to swiftly identify victims and assist families.

Ongoing Safety Concerns in Thailand

Thailand’s rail network spans more than 5,000 kilometers, but years of underinvestment have led many travelers to rely on road transport instead. Industrial and construction accidents remain common, often linked to weak enforcement of safety regulations.

In recent years:

Eight people were killed in 2023 when a freight train hit a pickup truck.

At least 18 died in 2020 after a freight train collided with a bus carrying religious pilgrims.

The latest Thailand railway disaster has reignited debate over construction safety, foreign-backed infrastructure projects, and public transport risks.

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