Amanze Chinonye
At least 31 people have been killed and more than 60 others injured after a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train in northeastern Thailand, authorities said on Thursday, as rescue teams concluded search operations at the scene, Prime Business Africa reports.
The accident occurred on Wednesday morning in Sikhio district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, when a large crane lifting a section of an elevated bridge for a high-speed rail project toppled onto Special Express Train No. 21, which was travelling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani.
Thai police said the crane struck multiple carriages, causing the train to derail and sparking a fire in at least one coach. About 195 passengers and crew were believed to be on board at the time of the crash.
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The Ministry of Public Health confirmed that several of the injured remain in critical condition in hospitals across the province. Officials said all missing passengers have now been accounted for, and no further victims are believed to be trapped in the wreckage.
Thailand’s Department of Rail Transport and police have launched a full investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that construction work was ongoing as the train passed beneath the site, raising questions over whether mandatory safety protocols were breached.
Authorities have ordered an immediate suspension of construction work on the affected section of the rail project pending the outcome of the investigation.
The crane was part of construction works on the Bangkok–Nong Khai high-speed railway, a flagship infrastructure project intended to improve rail connectivity between Thailand’s capital and the country’s northeast.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed condolences to the families of the victims and said the government would ensure accountability if negligence is established. Transport officials said compensation arrangements for victims and their families are being finalised.
The crash is being described by officials as one of Thailand’s deadliest rail disasters in recent years, prompting renewed scrutiny of safety standards on major infrastructure projects built above active transport routes.
This is a developing story. Prime Business Africa will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates as investigations into the cause of the crane collapse progress and more official information becomes available.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
