Cranes Collide with Train in Northeastern Thailand, Leaving 30 Dead and Over 60 Injured
At least 30 individuals lost their lives, and 64 others sustained injuries when a construction crane fell on a moving train in northeastern Thailand. This tragic incident, which also left several passengers in critical condition, has prompted swift investigations and legal action against the construction company involved.
Why It Matters
This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in Thailand’s construction sector, particularly in large infrastructure projects. With numerous fatalities linked to construction accidents in recent years, this tragedy raises urgent questions about regulatory enforcement and accountability within the industry.
Key Developments
- The crane, part of a US$5.4 billion project, fell on a train carrying approximately 195 passengers from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani.
- Casualties include a one-year-old child and an 85-year-old, with seven reported in critical condition.
- The State Railway of Thailand has initiated legal proceedings against Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited, the contractor in charge.
- Authorities reported that the train had derailed, with flames erupting from one of the carriages.
- Eyewitness accounts describe a swift and devastating impact, with debris raining down moments before the crane struck.
- The Thai Prime Minister has called for accountability, attributing the accident to possible negligence in construction practices.
Full Report
Incident Overview
The crane fell onto the train around 09:00 local time while lifting a heavy concrete section, resulting in the derailment of four train carriages. The collision created a chaotic scene, with flames engulfing one carriage shortly after the impact. Reports indicate that the train was primarily transporting students and workers on their way to school and jobs in the surrounding districts.
Legal Actions and Reactions
In response to this catastrophic event, the State Railway of Thailand has announced legal actions against the construction firm responsible for operating the crane. The Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited expressed regret over the incident and committed to providing assistance to the families of the deceased and injured. The financial impact is expected to exceed 100 million baht (approximately US$3.1 million) for damages to the train carriages alone.
Eyewitness Accounts
Survivor Thirasak Wongsoongnern recounted the horror of the moment when the crane collapsed, describing how passengers were hurled into the air due to the sheer force of the impact. Maliwan Nakthon, another eyewitness, explained that the incident unfolded rapidly, with debris falling before the crane directly struck the train.
Government Response
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who plans to visit the crash site, has called for those responsible for the incident to face repercussions. He emphasized that such accidents likely stem from negligence and improper adherence to safety protocols.
Context & Previous Events
The crane was part of a larger construction project backed by China, aimed at enhancing connectivity between Thailand and neighboring Laos. Previous incidents have marred the safety reputation of the Italian-Thai Development Company, which faced charges related to professional negligence after a building collapse during an earthquake last year. Over the past seven years, approximately 150 individuals have died in various construction-related accidents throughout the country, often attributed to insufficient enforcement of safety regulations.
