At least 32 killed after crane collapses on train in Thailand

Sunday 18 January 2026 - 09:30

By: Sahili Aya

At least 32 killed after crane collapses on train in Thailand

At least 32 people were killed and 66 others injured on Wednesday when a large construction crane working on a high-speed rail project collapsed onto a passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeastern Thailand. The crane struck two carriages, slicing one in half and causing a brief fire, according to local authorities.

The train, traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani, carried 195 passengers at the time of the accident. Thai Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed the numbers and called for a full investigation into the incident. Rescue teams worked at the scene to extract survivors and transport the injured to nearby hospitals.

The crane was part of the elevated Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima segment of a transnational high-speed rail project connecting Thailand to Kunming, China, through Laos. Part of the crane remains suspended over the tracks, while debris cleanup and recovery efforts continued into Wednesday evening. Authorities aim to reopen the line by the end of the week due to its importance to the regional economy.

The contractor, Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited, expressed regret over the tragedy and promised compensation for the victims’ families. The company has been involved in other high-profile construction projects in Thailand, including a 2025 building collapse in Bangkok that killed 89 people, resulting in criminal investigations into potential negligence.

Chinese authorities said they were monitoring the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of safety on international projects. The cause of the crane collapse is still under investigation.