At least 22 people were killed and approximately 80 injured when a construction crane collapsed onto a passenger train in northeastern Thailand on January 14, 2026, causing it to derail and briefly catch fire. The incident occurred in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, about 230 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, as the train was traveling from the capital to Ubon Ratchathani province.
The crane, which was being used to build an elevated track for a high-speed rail project, fell onto the moving train around 9:00 a.m. local time. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud noise followed by explosions, and the metal from the crane sliced through the second carriage, leaving the train tilted and smoking. Rescue workers rushed to the scene to extract passengers from the wreckage, with efforts complicated by reports of chemical leakage.
Thai authorities confirmed that 195 passengers were on board at the time of the accident. Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn stated that 22 people had been confirmed dead, with many others hospitalized in critical condition. The district police chief, Thatchapon Chinnawong, indicated that the death toll might rise as rescue operations continue and more victims are identified.
The high-speed rail project is part of a $5.4 billion initiative backed by China, aiming to connect Bangkok to Kunming in China via Laos by 2028 under the Belt and Road infrastructure plan. This accident highlights the risks associated with large-scale construction projects and has raised concerns about safety standards on such sites.
Industrial and construction accidents are unfortunately common in Thailand, where enforcement of safety regulations has often been lax. Past incidents include train collisions and building collapses, underscoring a pattern of preventable tragedies. The government has pledged to investigate this latest disaster thoroughly to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences.
As rescue teams work to clear the site and assist the injured, questions are being raised about the oversight of foreign-funded projects in the country. The incident may lead to increased scrutiny of construction practices and could impact the timeline of the high-speed rail network, which is seen as crucial for regional connectivity.
In the aftermath, families of the victims are being notified, and hospitals in the region are managing the influx of casualties. The Thai government has expressed condolences and promised support for those affected, while also emphasizing the need for improved safety protocols in all construction activities.
