Quick reads
- A construction crane fell onto a moving passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, killing at least 22 people.
- The train was travelling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani when the accident happened.
- The impact derailed the train, and a carriage caught fire, though the blaze has since been controlled.
- Around 195 passengers and staff were onboard at the time.
- Thai officials, including the Transport Minister, expressed condolences and ordered an investigation into the cause.
What happened
On Wednesday morning, January 14, 2026, a construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, in northeastern Thailand. The crane was part of a nearby elevated high-speed rail construction project running over the existing track. Local authorities confirmed the crane struck the Special Express Train No. 21, causing a derailment and fire in the affected carriages.
Initial reports cited the death toll at 22 people, with injuries to dozens more, while rescue workers continued to extract and assist survivors. The exact number of casualties may be revised as officials complete their accounting and identification efforts.
Where it happened
The crash occurred near Ban Thanon Khod village in Sikhio district, about 230 km northeast of Bangkok in Nakhon Ratchasima province, an area known locally as Korat. The train was on the Bangkok–Ubon Ratchathani route, one of Thailand’s main long-distance passenger services.
The crane was positioned above the track as part of construction work on an elevated high-speed rail line intended to eventually connect Bangkok with northeastern regions and beyond.
How it happened
According to provincial officials and eyewitness accounts, the crane’s support structure fell from the construction site as the train carrying around 195 people was passing underneath at around 9:05–9:13 a.m. local time. The massive piece of heavy machinery struck the second and third carriages, causing them to derail and catch fire.
Rescue teams, including disaster prevention and mitigation units, police, medical staff and volunteers, rapidly responded to the scene. They used high-capacity cranes and emergency gear to extinguish flames, free trapped passengers, and transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
Impact on passengers and response
Officials say dozens were hurt, with victims taken to several local medical facilities. Severe injuries were reported among both travellers and some construction workers. Fire crews worked to control the blaze inside the wrecked carriages, and teams continued the search for any missing persons.
Thai Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and ordered a thorough investigation into the cause, including safety practices on the construction site. Authorities have also coordinated with labour and rail departments on compensation and care for the injured and affected families.
Aftermath and investigations
The State Railway of Thailand and related agencies have suspended work at the site pending inquiries, and investigators are examining whether safety protocols were followed. The high-speed rail contractor involved has acknowledged the tragedy and pledged to assist with compensation and support.
Transport authorities said they will review construction oversight and rail safety procedures to prevent similar disasters. Emergency services, for now, remain focused on assisting victims and clearing the wreckage so normal train services can be restored once the site is secured.
