Construction Crane Tragedy in Thailand: At Least 22 Dead in Train Derailment
An alarming accident in northeastern Thailand has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 22 lives and left around 80 others injured. The incident unfolded on January 14, 2026, when a construction crane fell on a passenger train traveling from Bangkok to the Ubon Ratchathani province. This catastrophic event occurred in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, roughly 230 kilometers (143 miles) northeast of the Thai capital, Bangkok.
Details of the Incident
The crane was reportedly being used in the construction of an elevated railway line as part of a collaborative Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project. Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene as the crane collapsed onto the moving train, causing it to derail and briefly ignite. According to Thailand’s Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, 195 passengers were aboard the train during the time of the incident. He confirmed that the casualties were predominantly located in two of the three train carriages that were directly affected by the crane.
Eyewitness Accounts
Local resident Mitr Intrpanya, 54, recounted the chaotic moments leading up to the disaster. "At around 9 AM, I heard a loud noise, like something sliding down from above, followed by two explosions," he informed the media. Upon reaching the scene, he discovered the crane precariously positioned atop the passenger train, with its heavy metal components having sliced through the second carriage.
Al Jazeera correspondent Tony Cheng, reporting from Bangkok, indicated that the casualty figures could rise. Initial estimates suggested only four fatalities, but this figure quickly escalated to 12 and ultimately reached 22, according to Thai police updates.
Emergency Response
Rescue teams are currently working tirelessly to extricate passengers trapped in the wreckage. Heavy machinery is being employed to facilitate the rescue efforts. Reports indicate that the train was traveling along a highly frequented route that serves several densely populated areas in northeastern Thailand.
The Ongoing Rail Project
The train that derailed was on a route heavily utilized for both passengers and freight. This specific line has been undergoing construction for the high-speed rail project, which has been in progress for nearly a decade. Once completed, the elevated rail system aims to alleviate traffic congestion and provide faster transportation options for residents.
Historical Context of Transportation Accidents
Industrial and construction-related accidents have a troubling history in Thailand. For instance, in 2023, a freight train tragically collided with a pickup truck, resulting in eight deaths. Moreover, three years prior, another accident involving a freight train and a bus claimed the lives of at least 18 people. Earlier this year, a high-rise building in Bangkok fell during an earthquake, resulting in over 100 fatalities.
Conclusion: Calls for Investigation
In light of this devastating accident, Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has mandated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crane’s collapse. As the nation mourns the lost lives, the focus now shifts to ensuring such incidents are prevented in the future.
This incident stress-tests the safety protocols in place for construction sites and railways, calling for a reevaluation of the current standards. Authorities and citizens alike are hopeful that this tragedy will prompt necessary changes to enhance safety measures.
For additional information on Thailand’s rail projects, feel free to visit Al Jazeera’s coverage or the Thai Railway Authority.
The site of the construction accident in northeastern Thailand on January 14, 2026 [Handout/State Railway of Thailand via AP]
