The collapsed structure is part of a Thai-Chinese high-speed railway project connecting Bangkok to Nong Khai province near the Laos border.
At least 29 people were killed and 64 others injured after a construction crane fell onto a moving passenger train in northeastern Thailand on Wednesday.
The incident took place in Nakhon Ratchasima province when the train was travelling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani. The crane was being used to build an elevated section of a high-speed rail project when it suddenly collapsed onto the tracks, officials said.
Photos and videos from the scene showed thick smoke rising into the air, overturned train carriages, and damaged concrete pillars. Rescue workers were seen climbing over derailed coaches while paramedics provided first aid to injured passengers. Debris from the crane was scattered along the railway line.
According to Thai media, the train had three carriages, with the last two suffering the most damage. Transport Minister Piphat Ratchakitprakan said there were 195 passengers on board at the time of the accident and confirmed that an investigation has been ordered.
Rescue teams continued search and relief operations hours after the crash.
The collapsed structure is part of a Thai-Chinese high-speed railway project connecting Bangkok to Nong Khai province near the Laos border. The project, costing over 520 billion baht (approximately $16.8 billion), is linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative aimed at improving regional connectivity.
This is not the first incident linked to the project. In August 2024, a railway tunnel on the same route collapsed in Nakhon Ratchasima, killing three workers. Heavy rainfall was believed to have caused that incident.
Authorities are now examining the cause of the crane collapse and reviewing safety measures at construction sites along the route.
