Crane collapse onto moving train in north-eastern Thailand kills at least 32

BBC
BBC
10h ago
At least 32 people were killed and 66 injured when a construction crane fell onto a moving passenger train in north-eastern Thailand, derailing carriages and starting a fire in one coach.
Crane collapse onto moving train in north-eastern Thailand kills at least 32
A What happened
A construction crane fell onto a moving train in north-eastern Thailand, derailing the train, crushing carriages, and causing one carriage to catch fire. Authorities reported at least 32 deaths and 66 injuries, including a one-year-old and an 85-year-old, with seven people in critical condition. Officials said 171 passengers were onboard, and the train was travelling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province carrying mostly students and workers. The State Railway of Thailand launched an investigation and said it is taking legal action against the construction company responsible for the crane.

Key insights

  • 1

    Prime minister cited potential causes tied to negligence: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said accidents like this can happen due to negligence, skipped steps, deviations from the design, or the use of incorrect materials.

  • 2

    Chinese embassy said no Chinese firms or workers were involved: Chinese state media reported the Chinese embassy in Thailand said no Chinese construction companies or workers were involved in the collapse.

  • 3

    Weak enforcement of safety standards cited as a factor in deadly construction accidents: Deadly construction accidents in Thailand were linked in part to weak enforcement of safety standards and regulations.

Takeaways

Authorities reported at least 32 deaths and 66 injuries from the crane collapse onto the train, and the State Railway of Thailand said it is investigating and suing the construction company responsible.

Topics

Investigations Law & Public Safety Crime & Justice Public Safety Accidents & Fires

Read the full article on BBC

Stay ahead with OwlBrief

Daily briefs that distill the world’s important events — clear, verified, and designed for understanding.

Newsletter

Get OwlBrief in your inbox

A fast, high-signal digest of the day’s most important events — plus the context that makes them make sense.

Quick to read. Useful all day.