At least 22 people were killed after a crane fell on a passenger train in Thailand

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A construction crane fell onto a moving commuter train, causing it to derail and killing at least 22 people Wednesday in northeastern Thailand. Another 64 people were injured, and rescuers are still searching the wreckage and providing first aid.

The derailment occurred as part of an ambitious high-speed rail project that will eventually connect China to much of Southeast Asia.

The crane, which was being used to build an elevated section of the railway, fell while the train was traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province, according to the public relations office of Nakhon Ratchasima province, where the accident occurred.

Pictures published by Thai media showed columns of white and then dark smoke above the scene of the accident, and construction equipment hanging from between two concrete columns.

Train accident — In this photo released by the State Railways of Thailand, relief workers respond to the train accident. There were 195 people on board. (State Railways of Thailand/Associated Press)

A video broadcast by the Thai Public Broadcasting Corporation showed rescue workers standing over overturned railway cars, some of which had large holes in their sides. What appeared to be parts of the crane were scattered along the track. Meanwhile, paramedics provided first aid to the injured passengers.

He ordered an investigation

Thai media reported that the train contained three carriages, and the last two carriages were the most damaged.

Transport Minister Piphat Ratchakitprakan said 195 people were on board the train. He said he had ordered an investigation.

The elevated section that collapsed is part of the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway project linking the national capital, Bangkok, to the northeastern province of Nong Khai, on the border with Laos. The two-stage railway project has a total investment cost of about C$23 billion and is linked to an ambitious plan to connect China with Southeast Asia under Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.

In August 2024, a railway tunnel on the planned route collapsed, also in Nakhon Ratchasima, killing three workers. Days of heavy rain are believed to have been a factor in the collapse.