Thailand Train Tragedy: 22 Dead After Crane Collapses onto Moving Passenger Train

At least 22 people were killed in a major railway accident in northeastern Thailand after a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train, causing several coaches to derail and catch fire, authorities said.

The incident occurred while the train was travelling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province. The crane, which was being used for work on an elevated high-speed railway project, fell directly onto the train during its journey, triggering panic and chaos at the site.

Officials from the Public Relations Department of Nakhon Ratchasima said multiple coaches derailed following the impact, with some bursting into flames. Rescue teams recovered four bodies initially, while injured passengers were rushed to nearby hospitals. More than 30 people were reported injured, though the total number of passengers on board has not yet been confirmed, according to the Associated Press.

Firefighters later brought the blaze under control. Search and rescue operations are continuing as emergency teams comb through the damaged train compartments to locate any passengers who may still be trapped inside.

Police, firefighters and medical personnel have been deployed in large numbers at the scene. Authorities said the cause of the crane collapse remains unknown, and an investigation will be launched to determine the circumstances that led to the accident.