Deadly Crane Collapse Strikes Train in Thailand, Leaving Scores Injured
At least 32 people have lost their lives after a crane collapsed onto a passenger train, derailed it, and sent it crashing into a construction site in Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeast of Bangkok. The devastating accident has left scores of others injured, with 64 hospitalised and seven in critical condition.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud noise followed by explosions as the crane suddenly fell from above, striking the middle carriage of the train and causing significant damage. "The metal from the crane appeared to strike the middle of the second carriage, slicing it in half," said Mitr Intrpanya, a local resident who witnessed the accident.
Rescue efforts are currently on hold due to concerns over chemical leakage at the scene, with authorities working to identify the dead and determine the cause of the crane collapse. Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn revealed that 195 people were on board the train when it derailed, and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has vowed to hold accountable anyone responsible for the accident.
This latest tragedy highlights the ongoing issue with industrial accidents in Thailand, where lax enforcement of safety regulations can lead to devastating consequences. The country's railway network, which spans approximately 3,100 miles (5,000km), has long been plagued by issues related to maintenance and upkeep, leading many to prefer road travel instead.
The high-speed rail project currently under construction, which aims to connect Bangkok to Kunming in China via Laos, is expected to alleviate some of these concerns. Upon completion, the 370-mile railway will feature Chinese-made trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 150mph, with travel times between Bangkok and Nong Khai expected to be significantly reduced.
However, as this latest accident demonstrates, more needs to be done to ensure that construction sites are safely managed and enforced with greater accountability. The lives lost in the crane collapse will serve as a stark reminder of the need for robust safety measures and regulations in Thailand's rapidly expanding infrastructure industry.
At least 32 people have lost their lives after a crane collapsed onto a passenger train, derailed it, and sent it crashing into a construction site in Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeast of Bangkok. The devastating accident has left scores of others injured, with 64 hospitalised and seven in critical condition.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud noise followed by explosions as the crane suddenly fell from above, striking the middle carriage of the train and causing significant damage. "The metal from the crane appeared to strike the middle of the second carriage, slicing it in half," said Mitr Intrpanya, a local resident who witnessed the accident.
Rescue efforts are currently on hold due to concerns over chemical leakage at the scene, with authorities working to identify the dead and determine the cause of the crane collapse. Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn revealed that 195 people were on board the train when it derailed, and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has vowed to hold accountable anyone responsible for the accident.
This latest tragedy highlights the ongoing issue with industrial accidents in Thailand, where lax enforcement of safety regulations can lead to devastating consequences. The country's railway network, which spans approximately 3,100 miles (5,000km), has long been plagued by issues related to maintenance and upkeep, leading many to prefer road travel instead.
The high-speed rail project currently under construction, which aims to connect Bangkok to Kunming in China via Laos, is expected to alleviate some of these concerns. Upon completion, the 370-mile railway will feature Chinese-made trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 150mph, with travel times between Bangkok and Nong Khai expected to be significantly reduced.
However, as this latest accident demonstrates, more needs to be done to ensure that construction sites are safely managed and enforced with greater accountability. The lives lost in the crane collapse will serve as a stark reminder of the need for robust safety measures and regulations in Thailand's rapidly expanding infrastructure industry.
...can't believe the crane just came outta nowhere & crushed that train 
like 32 people lost their lives, 64 injured & still finding bodies 
it's all so senseless. we need to get our act together on safety regulations, construction sites should be a safe haven not a death trap 
i mean, we've known about these issues for ages but nothing ever gets done 
what's the point of having a high-speed rail project if we can't even manage basic safety protocols? 
lets hope they can find out who was responsible & hold them accountable 
I mean, I get that construction sites are busy and stuff happens, but this is just getting out of hand. They need to really step up their game when it comes to enforcing regulations and making sure workers are safe. And what's with the chemical leakage thing holding up the rescue efforts? Like, can't they prioritize people's lives over some toxic spill? 
construction sites need to be super safe all the time 
. Who cares about human lives when you can get to Kunming faster? 
The government's all talk and no action. When are they gonna make safety regulations stick? 
Just saying.