A deadly accident struck northeastern Thailand on Wednesday morning when a massive construction crane collapsed onto a moving passenger train, causing it to derail and catch fire. At least 22 people lost their lives, and dozens more suffered injuries in one of the country’s worst rail disasters in recent years.
The train was traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province when the mishap occurred in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima, about 230 kilometers northeast of the capital. Authorities said rescue operations continued for several hours as emergency teams searched the wreckage for survivors.
Crane Falls on Train in Thailand: Where Did the Accident Happen?
The derailment occurred in a semi-rural stretch of the Sikhio district, an area currently undergoing large-scale railway infrastructure upgrades. The train, carrying nearly 200 passengers, was passing through the zone when the crane suddenly collapsed onto the tracks, leaving no time for the driver to stop.
Officials said the crane was part of an ongoing high-speed rail bridge construction project. As the train passed beneath the construction site, the crane gave way and crashed directly onto the moving coaches. The impact forced multiple carriages off the tracks and sparked a brief fire, adding to the chaos.
Construction crane for high-speed rail bridge collapsed onto moving passenger train in Sikhiu, Nakhon Ratchasima this morning (14 Jan) at 9:05 am. Train derailed and caught fire. 30+ passengers injured, many trapped in carriages. Multiple rescue teams deployed. pic.twitter.com/X4c0vyQIwA
— PR Thai Government (@prdthailand) January 14, 2026
Firefighters managed to douse the flames quickly, preventing the blaze from spreading to other parts of the train or nearby structures.
Construction Crane Thailand Crash: Casualties and Rescue Operations
Authorities confirmed that at least 22 people were killed, while more than 30 passengers sustained injuries. Several victims remained trapped inside crushed and twisted train carriages, prompting rescuers to use cutting equipment to reach them.
Ambulances rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, while officials warned that the death toll could rise as rescue and identification efforts continue.
Thailand Crane Accident: Eyewitness Recounts Terrifying Moments
Resident Mitr Intrpanya, who was near the scene, described the terrifying sequence of events, “At around 9:00 am, I heard a loud noise, like something sliding down from above, followed by two explosions.”
“When I went to see what had happened, I found the crane sitting on a passenger train with three carriages. The metal from the crane appeared to strike the middle of the second carriage, slicing it in half.”
Emergency Response and Investigation
Multiple rescue teams, firefighters, police officers, and medical personnel rushed to the site shortly after the accident. Authorities sealed off the area as they worked to clear debris and restore rail connectivity.
Officials have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the crane’s collapse and whether safety lapses or structural failures contributed to the incident. The findings are expected to influence future safety protocols for construction projects near active railway lines.
Impact on Thailand’s High-Speed Rail Projects
The crane involved in the accident was part of Thailand’s ambitious high-speed rail expansion aimed at improving long-distance connectivity. The tragedy has raised serious concerns about construction safety standards, especially where heavy machinery operates above functioning rail routes.
Construction Crane Thailand Crash: What Passengers Endured
Videos from the accident site showed first responders cutting through mangled metal to rescue survivors. Many passengers described scenes of panic and confusion as smoke filled the air and carriages tilted off the tracks.
The Nakhon Ratchasima train disaster has sent shockwaves across Thailand, highlighting the risks associated with large infrastructure projects. As families mourn their loved ones and survivors recover from injuries, authorities face mounting pressure to ensure stricter safety oversight to prevent such tragedies in the future.
